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Danny's 25" Gelbu Etch
- Thread starter Svashtar
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 3,178
Nice job on both the edge and the straightening, Norm. I wouldn't even worry about that little ripple there. Steel out what you can and sharpen off the rest.
I haven't managed to bend a khuk yet. (And this is saying something.) I have bent a few swords, though. I simply put the tip against the ground, planted a foot on the bend, and kicked those suckers back to where they were supposed to be. No problems. Of course, only one was differentially hardened...
There are two schools of thought regarding blades that bend versus blades that break. Some want it one way, some want it the other way. (I personally would prefer it if neither happened, but that's just me.) If I have to choose, I prefer for a weapon to break (hopefully leaving me with a stub to at least defend myself with) and for a tool to bend. (Which I can pound or stomp back into shape at my leisure.) As I understand it, historically swords did both, depending on who made them, what they made them for, when they made them, and what they made them to do.
That being said, I've got a tarwar with kind of a twist and a bend to it. It was purchased a ways back (before Bura really got back into the swing of things) and I'm not sure who bent it - Bura, his helpers, me, or my helpers? Regardless of this bend it feels great, swings great, and handled some pretty gnarly wood with applomb at the MWKK. Swords are not meant to chop wood but I like it when they do.
Use it hard and keep us informed. I'm curious of how it will hold up on many levels.
I haven't managed to bend a khuk yet. (And this is saying something.) I have bent a few swords, though. I simply put the tip against the ground, planted a foot on the bend, and kicked those suckers back to where they were supposed to be. No problems. Of course, only one was differentially hardened...
There are two schools of thought regarding blades that bend versus blades that break. Some want it one way, some want it the other way. (I personally would prefer it if neither happened, but that's just me.) If I have to choose, I prefer for a weapon to break (hopefully leaving me with a stub to at least defend myself with) and for a tool to bend. (Which I can pound or stomp back into shape at my leisure.) As I understand it, historically swords did both, depending on who made them, what they made them for, when they made them, and what they made them to do.
That being said, I've got a tarwar with kind of a twist and a bend to it. It was purchased a ways back (before Bura really got back into the swing of things) and I'm not sure who bent it - Bura, his helpers, me, or my helpers? Regardless of this bend it feels great, swings great, and handled some pretty gnarly wood with applomb at the MWKK. Swords are not meant to chop wood but I like it when they do.
Use it hard and keep us informed. I'm curious of how it will hold up on many levels.
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2003
- Messages
- 5,594
I agree with Satori on the break vs bend preference.
To be honest, though, samurai swords did both on a regular basis.
Even today it is not uncommon for people to bend katana just exactly the same way I bent my gelbu, only they are cutting tatami mats, a much softer target than bamboo.
24" Gelbu #2 is going to be edge hardened for its entire blade length, just like a katana.
Im not sure Ill go back to the bamboo, but I will certainly try it out somehow.
To be honest, though, samurai swords did both on a regular basis.
Even today it is not uncommon for people to bend katana just exactly the same way I bent my gelbu, only they are cutting tatami mats, a much softer target than bamboo.
24" Gelbu #2 is going to be edge hardened for its entire blade length, just like a katana.
Im not sure Ill go back to the bamboo, but I will certainly try it out somehow.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 4,793
Yvsa said:Yep, I remember that.Bura is well aware of using oils for a quenching medium. Bill also told about a conversation about the clay coating and the kamis are familiar with it as well, or at least Bura is.
Trying to communicate getting a different method of hardening the khuks may be like trying to pull hens teeth.
Damned right! (-: Just imagine what it took to communicate: "17 INCHES _and_ 24 ounces"! Now add "please clay coat the blade, and give a true differential hardening along the entire length of the blade."
We'd probably end up with a Bilton with a 4" YCS blade and a brass inlaid chainpuri handle that could cut steel!
It's not just verbal communication, but cultural as well. From their viewpoint they know just what they are doing, so why are we bothering them with these stupid requests!? Crazy foreigners!
Norm
Svashtar said:Damned right! (-: Just imagine what it took to communicate: "17 INCHES _and_ 24 ounces"! Now add "please clay coat the blade, and give a true differential hardening along the entire length of the blade."
We'd probably end up with a Bilton with a 4" YCS blade and a brass inlaid chainpuri handle that could cut steel!
It's not just verbal communication, but cultural as well. From their viewpoint they know just what they are doing, so why are we bothering them with these stupid requests!? Crazy foreigners!
Norm
I agree with you Norm. Besides, they have all this bckground / evidence that proves they know what they are doing. Need we say more?
George
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2001
- Messages
- 2,869
Bend rather than break is only one reason for the softer back. Ever have a chip of steel hit you in the eye when pounding rock on steel or even steel on steel. To me the soft back is also a safety issue should the knife ever have to face real challenging events.