CPM 3v Tanto {A new dog learning new tricks}

Thanks for the kind words guys. Next up will be a wakizashi with this setup, I think will work very well.
 
kevin -the professor said:
Ben, I love the knife, and the saya is a nice departure from tradition, and probably almost a club in its own right. Looks good, too.

I have known you through the forums for years, so I hope you don't mind honest input. I really don't like the waterjet approach/look. I realize I am different than most, and I know that it is a little hypocritical since I have a mill and several grinders that I use like rented mules (stole that phrase from Matt Vernier).

Waterjet (here is where you can laugh at me) seems like a shortcut that takes away from the really good craftsmanship you did on the rest of this piece, and that you do in general.

I just spent 2 days filing a ridge in on a jian because grinders won't give me a sharp ridge and a basically lenticular surface. I could have gotten a really crisp ridge without filing a heat treated blade, but it would be flat when done. It is sort of like hand sanding, is what I am getting at, the look or function of things made with hand tools sometimes is better than the look of things made with machine tools to some of us (some prefer stone tumbled or belt grinder finishes, I guess). For me, saws and files look better than waterjet. That's all. You know I am a fan of your work, and I think I am a friend, so I just wanted to say this.

Great work. I am surely not discounting the quality or functionality, or the appearance of everything but the waterjet work.

Once, a good friend of mine, Richard Sexstone, looked at a traditional goosequill dao I had made, and I did the handle wrap in paracord (ungutted paracord, at that). He whistled as he looked at the pattern welded steel and the result of careful clay heat treatment. Then, he looked at the handle. He asked me whether I had a buyer for the blade. I told him I had, and that I had just sold it for about $1,800 without a sheath. He said, "This handle turned a $2,500 blade into an $1,800 sword."

I spent about 5 seconds thinking of arguing, but I realized he was being honest and speaking as a friend. I was actually really glad he did that. So, I hope you recognize I am giving my honest opinion in the same spirit. The only difference is that Richard is a whole lot better than both of us, and I am not any better at this stuff than you are. Still, I mean nothing but the best.
kc
Click to expand...

Hey Kevin,

I think we both have completely different goals, needs, and processes. This is my full time job, and my only source of income for a family of 5, so I have to manage my time wisely. Making knives as a hobby affords you time to do things the hard way.

I look at it like this, if me getting a part waterjet cut can add value to a knife then it is a good deal for me and my customers. For example, if I were to cut something like this out by hand, remember is nearly 1/4" 6al4v titanium, not bronze or soft Iron. So to cut and file something like this would take a couple days most likely. I don't think my customers would be happy with what I would have to charge for that added time.

It is a a part that I did all of the design work on. I have a place down the street from me I use for waterjet services. I create the program and they run it. If I could afford a waterjet, I would have my own so it was sole authorship, But I would still use the waterjet. :cool:

I know everyone's opinion is going to vary on what tools are acceptable, as witnessed by the many threads on the subject here.

I do appreciate your input.
 
I see both sides of it. The waterjetting is a good idea and speeds up the process immensely. There are a couple of different things you're doing with this project that I've thought of for my own future projects, but you're moving faster. Waterjetting a guard is one, though you got fancier with your design than I would. :) I'm jealous of your CAD ability! I have to sit next to someone who knows how and point to the screen to get my CAD stuff done.

Kevin has done collaborations with Charles Wu, who does amazing traditional Chinese sword fittings. It's an amazing process to watch in pictures, and it does take days. The result is something that you could see being in a museum display of imperial goods.

I could see the waterjetting being combined with further hand embellishment if one wanted to go that route. Frankly, I like the fusion of an old style of cutlery style and construction with modern design and materials.

One of the great things about custom knives is that they can be approached from so many different directions to a wide range of end goals, and if done correctly will turn out a good product. You're definitely doing that, Ben. You're coming out with something that I could see being carried by a modern workingman ninja. :D
 
How ever you guys make a knife, I appreciate every second you are doing it. Thank you.
rolf
 
Ben, I understand this is a full time job for you and it isn't for me. Just giving my opinion, as I hope you will do for my work whenever I finally finish one I can post. It is often months between pieces that I can show for me because some of my clients don't want the work shown, and because it is so freakin' slow (which supports your approach, somewhat). Seriously, I mean and intend nothing but the best for you. Obviously, you have a business model, and make great stuff. That is a hell of an accomplishment in its own right, as you know better than anyone.

take care,
kc
 
You already know you're my hero, brother. This piece is exceptional, but no exception with all your other awesome work.
 
Thanks for the input and comments everyone. I do appreciate it!
 
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