first real bowie, 10.5" low manganese 1075, hamon, curly oak and aqua fortis

[kevin -the professor]

Hello Everyone,
this is the first real bowie I have ever made. I tried one back as my second or third knife, but that was just a jumble of features. Not a true bowie.

This is the first blade I have heat treated with my Evenheat vertical kiln courtesy of Tim Zowada (for a small fee). I am amazed at the difference that careful heat control made in the ability to get heat treatment effects from this alloy (thanks Aldo!). I was already really happy with this stuff in terms of hamon and shock resistance. But I couldn't get much in the way of ashi or activity.

Turns out, the problem was likely that I was doing everything too hot. Now that I have a controlled source of heat, I hope to have simillar results with other alloys.

I still need to work a LOT on blade collars. They are a neat feature. Next, I want to learn to make them without the textured look. Clean and crisp will be a fun future challenge.

comments are welcomed. Thanks for looking. By the way, I still have to peen the tang down over the butt cap.

 

[tobinsmith]

Now, that is sweet!

 

[BoxerBill]

Very nice hamon; what quenchant did you use, Kevin? Thanks, Bill.........

 

[kevin -the professor]

Bill,
hot tap water for 4 count (really 3 sec, approx, I get excited). Then directly into Parks 50.

tobinsmith- thank you. This was made to get some quick practice with my new kiln and also to trade for a kith. I can't afford to buy knives to collect, so trading seems like a good idea. I hope to use the lessons learned re: blade collar and heat treatment to make better daos.

kc

 

[Dago Red]

I like it, that's a tough looking bowie that would work equally well at a re-enactment or a show. I wouldn't be afraid to use that one (if I didn't pay a fortune for it ).

Red

 

[BoxerBill]

The copper collar makes for a nice transition between the blade & handle..........someone's going to receive one nice bowie! Bill........