Chisel-ground tanto, long time coming

Storm Crow

Storm Crow

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
2,506
This was a request from a fellow who really likes the work of Phill Hartsfield. Which meant he wanted a chisel-ground tanto with a cord-wrapped handle. We were originally thinking of it as an aikuchi, meaning without a guard, but I tried it with a Turk's head prior to applying the epoxy and we decided to go with it.

This project took way longer than it should have. The issues were largely mental on my part; there were some aspects that were more difficult for me with it being chisel ground, but not that bad. Still, I kind of feel like I should have included a certificate with it like Bob Loveless did with his one Damascus knife. :D

The blade is 9" long, forged from 1/4" x 1" 5160 steel. The spine is rounded. This is a chisel edge for a righty, and I'm a lefty, but I think I did all right. :)



The handle has a foundation of neoprene, followed by black paracord and coyote tan paracord, with a two-strand Turk's head knot, all impregnated with West System marine epoxy.





With the lighting and my camera acting wonky, it was kind of difficult to catch the bevels well, but I think they show up better in these in-hand shots.





And finally, a coyote tan Kydex sheath to go with it.





I thought that sharpening might prove tricky, but it went smoothly. I just made sure to keep a burr from forming on the back side. It ended up pretty much scaring the hair off my arm. :)

I'm still not a fan of chisel ground blades, but I'm rather pleased with this one. :)
 
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WHO... in the hell would buy this??!!
Dang, is this thing sharp.
Thank you, James. Very much.
"We're not going anywhere, we're already there." Phill Hartsfield.
your friend,
rolf
 
Very nice James. I think you did better than just alright👍. I like it!

I take it this one is yours Rolf? Congratulations. A fine blade. Pretty darn exciting. In my opinion, the turkshead knot looks right.
It kind of worries me and my pocket book that I'm growing so attached to Jame's work. Mike

P.S. I'd love to see a few more shots in more accommodating light.
 
Thank you, Mike.
Yes, this knife has to be seen in person to fully appreciate it. James so nailed it.
The blade is still an Aikuchi, actually, but that doesn't matter. With out the turks knot the blade looked like a small machete but with the knot it now has more of a Japanese look. Exactly what I like.
Get in the order book, Mike. James is going to be busy for a long time.
rolf
 
Thanks, everyone!

Mike - I am totally at peace with your interest in my work. :D

Joe, I sent a length of the same tan paracord with it in case Rolf wanted to rig it with a static line like you do. :)
 
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I've been posting my work on Instagram and from there onto Facebook since back in the summer. I knew that Lycosa was following along on Facebook and we had talked about the possibility of going wither with or without a Turk's head. So I posted a picture without and asked what he thought.



He had me try it with a black Turk's head knot. I did a two strand to keep it small since aikuchis are supposed to be guardless, and he approved.



You can see how much the epoxy darkens the color of the paracord.
 
James- Thank you for the comparison pix!
I just love this knife. Thanks again.
rolf
 
Hi Rolf. What are your thoughts with and without the Turk's head knot. I'm liking it both ways. The knot definitely looks good, adds character, and will help prevent the hand from slipping forward. But I like the simplicity of not having the knot also. Tough call for me. Mike
 
Mike! Both do work but the knot gives the blade that Japanese style look.
Buy using a palm-loaded grip, the hand will not slip forwards while thrusting.
 
Makes sense, and I do like the Japanese influence. Thank you Rolf. Mike
 
Cool piece James. :thumbup:
 
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