Burt Foster Bladesmithing 101

S

Steinerj

Joined
Jul 6, 2005
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406
Well I just got back from the New England School of Metalworking after Forging, filing and sanding a blade using almost no power tools. The only power tool we used was a drill press for the guards and band saw to rough out the handles. Guard is Nickel Silver and blade is 1084 FG (Aldo Stock). This is the result of 40 hours (8hr days). Thanks for looking. Critique is welcome.

269915_662197164762_35101424_35410110_4065198_n.jpg


Jon
 
It's nice looking, I like the dropped edge and NS guard for sure. My first thought though, was "man, that thing has a big butt." For all I know, you're planning to shape it down farther. Or, maybe it's an effect you intended and is a grip you like.

What was life like over there at the school?
 
The school is great! The dorms are wicked clean and well furnished for the money. The shop is large with plenty of anvils, forges, vices, etc. Didn't get to take advantage of the multiple power hammers and grinders but they were all in tip top shape. This was designed with input from Burt and I agree its got some junk in the trunk but it does feel good in the hand and I may shape it down a little bit. I appreciate the critique

Thanks
Jon
 
Slim that handle down to where it's about the same width as the blade at it's widest point and you're gonna like it even more. As it is, it looks good. Nice work.
 
VERY COOL!!! Burt is a fantastic person and bladesmith... he is also an excellent teacher! :thumbup: :cool: :)

I agree that the ass end of the knife could be slimmed down, but something I really like about the results I've seen from Burt's classes is that there's an influence there. But you can tell it was just an influence and he didn't tell/force you guys to make the knife a certain way. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Sounds like a great time!!! :)
 
Sabri35 it is redwood burl. Thanks

Nick:
Yes Burt had a knife that was to be the "Sylabus" for the class but we each took our own path and created 6 very unique knives. The main theme of Burts instruction was "Here is a guideline, do something with it in mind". I would definitly take another class with Burt but one where we are able to use grinders :-0

Does this seem any better?
knife.jpg
 
I think so :) The handle could still be slimmed down where it meets the guard (on your paper pattern). In ALL of my knives, I try to make the front of the handle the same width as the ricasso. It just makes it all flow IMHO. It's more important with a plate guard than a sculpted one like this... but I make them match up like that no matter the shape of the guard.

And the top of the handle is much higher than the spine of the blade (only on the pattern... not on your actual knife)... and to me that is distracting to the eye.

This is nit-picking, as I think the design of the pattern looks really great overall! :)
 
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