Feather Kwaiken

BenR.T.

BenR.T.

Tanto grinder & High performance blade peddler
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Joined
Apr 18, 2011
Messages
4,925
So first off this knife is all firsts for me, and I am sure I have a lot to learn in this genre of knives! This is my first time attempting a hamon and first Japanese style blade and handle. I want to thank John White for all the info he has posted on the subject of producing a nice hamon with W2, this was my first quench and it came out nicely I think.

The Blade is some W2 that I got from JM Jones, he forged it down for me probably a year ago and I finally got some Parks 50 so I could give it a try.
It was polished to 2500 grit and then etched to show a nice active hamon. What a pain to photograph!!
The spine is crested all the way through the handle, and the tang is tapered for a very balanced and light feel.

The handle is ivory ray skin, with brown Tsuka ito, thanks to Josh Mason for teaching me how to do this style wrap. It is soaked in minwax wood hardener(thanks James Helm), and is nice and solid without looking like a glob of glue.
The menuki is a copper piece I carved into a feather and antiqued, another first for me.
The OAL is 11" with a 6" blade.
Let me know what you guys think, any and all comments are welcome.
Thanks for looking!

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[video=youtube_share;Ibu_VIyuB4A]http://youtu.be/Ibu_VIyuB4A[/video]
 
VERY nice.....always enjoy that style of blade......fine job all around! :cool:
 
You're quickly becoming one of my favorite makers Ben, I don't know why it took me this long to notice your work. That is a work of art.
 
That's a great knife, I love the elements you've put together, and your photo shoots are great too. Love those goggles.

Red
 
tres stylish!
 
Ben...... You are out of control..... In a very good way!

I love that style blade and IMHO you done it up good!

Impressive!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
 
Very graceful blade profile and nice hamon!

Only things I see are that you started by alternating the cross overs on the wrap but then went all the same way. Usually it alternates.
Interesting putting that little strip under the first cross over. Neat idea
Usually the start of the wrap is on the other side but that's picking nits in a modern interpretation of the style.

Very attractive piece.
 
Thanks for the comments guys. It is far from historically accurate I am sure, I just made what felt and looked right to me.

Stuart, on the wrap, I was having a heck of a time keeping everything flat and even. I think on the next I may try getting some cotton Tsuka Ito, this was heavy duty shoe lace, and being tube lace it wanted to twist where I wanted it to fold. I now have a ton more respect for you guys that make the wrap look so nice and neat, it is definitely not easy!
 
I think your wrap looks fantastic Ben! I'm glad I was able to help you out. I know my style isn't the most traditional, but it works for me. You totally rocked it man. That knife is killer!
 
Thanks Josh! I have a larger Tanto/kwaiken style blade int the works now, more W2 and clay!
 
Ben the kwaiken is beautiful as is all your work. I have to say though I always find the "Other" Items in your photos interesting as well! Nice work
 
Thanks Ryan! I am always looking for good props for my photos, I think they just make for a more interesting picture.
Now what do aviator goggles and an antique book on chemistry have to do with a custom kwaiken.......beats the heck out of me!!! :D
 
Ben It looks like the Chemist was wearing the aviator goggles while mixing volitile chemicals and took a blast to the Right Eye :p You will have to fill us in on what this had to do with the Blade! haha
 
He was apparently attempting to make feric chloride for etching hamons. :D
 
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