Blade 2015 JS test

stephanfowler

stephanfowler

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
1,464
So,

Obviously I've been rather absent lately (understatement i know)

I got a Surface Grinder late last year (yay) but it tipped over when i was rolling it off the trailer and CRUSHED my right hand (boo, hiss)

I was planning to start my JS knives right around that time, but couldn't even begin to work until March. not much time......

but I'm tryin to get myself together for Blade this year, I've bit in full bore and decided its time to go for my JS again.

I did my performance test with Jason Knight MS and it went great

Here is my performance test knife
8" W2 Blade
Black Micarta Handle

blade2015-5.jpg


[YOUTUBE]V1kkkMwePtg[/YOUTUBE]

here are a few pictures of my knives atm.



First Few forged and ready to grind

blade2015-6.jpg


Lookin a little more knifey

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Into the oven for normalization and grain refinement

blade2015-8.jpg



Rebel Fighter Recurve - Ht'd and blue tempered spine (52100)

blade2015-10.jpg



Rebel Fighter Recurve First polish

blade2015-9.jpg



Group of 5 knives initial polished

blade2015-11.jpg
 
Continuing.......


Guards in the rough

blade2015-14.jpg



After polishing up the big W2 bowie I just couldnt live with the way the Hamon dipped down at the Ricasso.....

So, being a proper insane Bladesmith I took the polished and finish ground blade, coated it in Turcoat (really great stuff btw) and threw it into the oven to redo the HT

blade2015-15.jpg


MUCH better (quick 180 disc polish and etch to make sure)

blade2015-16.jpg
 
That's great news Stephen, I had thought about you on a couple occasions and wondered what you were up to.
We will be pulling for you.
 
Very nice work Stephan. Thanks for the progress pics; I've been enjoying watching these blades take shape on instagram.

Looking forward to seeing more!
 
Stephan,

Those are great looking blades.

Good luck on your JS test at Blade.

Jim Treacy
 
Best of luck in your test Stephan!

I have one of your Rebel Fighters.... :thumbup:

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Last edited:
I, too, wondered what had happened to you. Glad to see you back.
Correct me if I am wrong, please. However, my limited knowledge of ABS stuff indicates that most people use 5160 or maybe now 80CrV2 or L6 for the bend test. Is that right? Outstanding that you got it with W2 (did you clay that blade?).

great step forward, with many more to come. Good to see your work again.
kc
 
kevin -the professor said:
I, too, wondered what had happened to you. Glad to see you back.
Correct me if I am wrong, please. However, my limited knowledge of ABS stuff indicates that most people use 5160 or maybe now 80CrV2 or L6 for the bend test. Is that right? Outstanding that you got it with W2 (did you clay that blade?).

great step forward, with many more to come. Good to see your work again.
kc
Click to expand...

Kevin,

Your absolutely correct, most testers and most MS suggest using 5160 because it's consistently performed well in that test.

however, had I made that blade from 5160 it would have been my 3rd time EVER using that steel, whereas I've used Don Hanson's W2 for about 8 years and hundreds of knives.

I felt I had a better knowledge of that steel than I would have with 5160 ;-)


it performed exactly as I wanted it to.
 
Congratulations Stephen, great looking blades can't wait to see them finished up.

Best of luck in Atlanta I'm sure everything will go well for you.
 
thats going to be a nice set Stephen I would have liked to see some handles done by now you better get to work if you get them done I think you will do fine.
 
Ive also wondered where you were. Nice to see you back.
I have no doubts you can do it. Be sure they know you're coming asap, I think they have a cut off date for accepting applications now.
 
It looks like you have a plan and a good start on the knives. I wish you success Stephan.
 
D lisch said:
thats going to be a nice set Stephen I would have liked to see some handles done by now you better get to work if you get them done I think you will do fine.
Click to expand...

My intention was to have started these knives last November, but crushing my hand messed up all my plans.

Adapt and overcome, keep moving forward.

;-)

I'm working on handles this weekend, will be visiting Jason again soon to get some feedback.
 
Looking great man! I'm also glad ta see you back here at BF and wish you the best of luck on getting your JS stamp! :thumbup: I also hope this means that we'll be seeing much more of you around here. ;) Make sure to post more pics as your knives come along! :)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
 
great looking set of knives you have there Stephen. I know you will have no problem getting your JS . I am looking to seeing you at the blade.

Steve
 
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