A2 Wakizashi Build along

Thanks so much for all of the kind comments guys!

QUOTE=Dan Keffeler;13899604]This looks good.
What are your plans for the handle?
Dan[/QUOTE]

Thanks Dan! I just finished it up today. Here are some pics showing how I did the handle.


The fittings were a press fit, but it set them permanently with JB weld.



Here it is all ready for the handle



The handle is basically a hidden/full tang handle. I put leather pieces under the grip for extra thickness. I use contact cement to attach the leather.





Here is a simple little handle wrapping jig/hinge that lets me clamp the blade in place and flip it back and forth while wrapping. It is super handy.






Normally I would use sting ray skin under the Ito wrap. But I wanted a different look on this piece. So I did an under wrap with bamboo fiber cord.



Here is the Ito Wrap started and the first titanium menuki in place.



Finishing up the wrap. My fingers are pretty sore at this point!



All wrapped up. The Menukis are staggered for a right over left hand grip.



At this point, it is complete! I want to take better pics, tomorrow hopefully. I am also working on a special sheath for it, and I will post more pics when it is done.
I leave you with this teaser....

 
May I ask what you used to produce the antique effect on A-2, and how fine you sanded it before the treatment?
 
Please make the sheath (saya) hard in a more traditional way so to speak not of leather
 
NIZE, nice. And what was the othe blade hanging around? I like fighters.

Did I see a little hamon sneaking in there too?

And just to keep the rest honest, I'll give you a $1.95 right now for it. I'll even pay shipping. I'm so generous, but I like your work.

Larry
Tinkerer
 
RI_Shooter said:
May I ask what you used to produce the antique effect on A-2, and how fine you sanded it before the treatment?
Click to expand...

It had a 220 grit hand rubbed finish, and then I went over it with a red scotch brite pad. The antiquing process is the cold blue/bleach method. There is tons of info on it in the knife makers discussion, so I won't go into major details.

JParanee said:
Please make the sheath (saya) hard in a more traditional way so to speak not of leather
Click to expand...

I was torn on the sheath Joe. My first thought was to make a hybrid kydex, leather covered saya. Right now I am making a special leather sheath for it, I may make a hybrid one as well. This isn't a commissioned piece, so I am just trying to guess what will be wanted for it. Whoever buys it can request whatever they like.

tinkerer said:
NIZE, nice. And what was the othe blade hanging around? I like fighters.

Did I see a little hamon sneaking in there too?

And just to keep the rest honest, I'll give you a $1.95 right now for it. I'll even pay shipping. I'm so generous, but I like your work.

Larry
Tinkerer
Click to expand...

That is an 8" fullered version of my BDU Scout, I should be finishing it up next week. I will share pics when it is done.
No Hamon.
And thanks for the generous offer. Shipping will be killer. ;)
 
Last edited:
Ok guys I spent all day working on the sheath, and I just wrapped it up. I know some people would prefer a more traditional saya, and some people like leather, and others kydex. So I made a combo of all 3! : )

I decided to incorporate a traditional style Kurigata as the belt hanging feature. It also has a layer of kydex on the front side of the blade, so the blade draws quickly and smoothly from the sheath. These are both things I have never tried before and am quite happy with the results.

Anyway here are some pics from the sheath making process. Keep in mind it is entirely hand stitched.

Here are most of the sheath components cut out. The sheath will have a bison skin front.



The super nice Bison skin and cooper piece I will use for the Kurigata.



Drilling the backside of the Kurigata so I can tap it.



Tapping the holes.



All shaped and heat colored.



The sheath front all glued together before stitching.



The Kurigata mounted and holes for the initial stitching.



Hand stitching.



The back dyed and stamped with my mark.



Gluing the welt in.



Snug as a bug!



All ready to assemble.



It is heavy duty. ; )



All glued together.



Ready to stitch.



The next post will have finished pics of the complete package.......
 
nice work on that sheath!
 
Thanks Lorien!

Ok Everyone, here are the final pics. Although not the most exotic or fancy blade I have done. This overall package is by far my most favorite I made since I started making knives a few years ago.
I stepped outside my box on several new things with it, and learned quite a bit from it.











My little rainbow ninja model. :D

 
Love it.

I really like how it came out
 
If this sword was chisel ground, it would be on it's way to PA.
Outstanding, Ben.
rolf
 
Love it.

I really like how it came out
 
Great job and quite a fine looking model.....congrats all around. :)
 
Maybe my favorite blade that I've seen you do Ben.......top notch work.
Great pics as well.....your rainbow ninja looks dangerous!:p
Darcy:)
 
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