Hachidori

P. McKinley

P. McKinley

Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
2,010
"Hachidori", literally "bee bird", or hummingbird.

This piece has been a long time coming. I forged the blade at the beginning of the summer and have been slowly, but steadily working on it as a side project. This is a light weight, nicely balanced piece that feels like a feather in my hand. The blade has very little rocker as I intend this to be an herb chopper and fine slicer. The Red Maple "onion burl" is hard as Hades, takes a nice polish, and is a fine color compliment to the copper. The habaki has a nice tight fit, but has a light coat of epoxy to make it water tight.

The saya was a challenge! The onion burl pin is a three-part affair... the hand carved flower bulb, the pin/stamen, and the Rosewood "pollen" at the top. The flower petals attached to the top of the saya and the flower "bottom" on the reverse side were carved with teenie weenie little gouges. I can't capture on camera how chatoyant the Red Maple saya case is... it shimmers spectacularly!

Over the years I've prided myself on doing every step of knife making by myself. However, for this piece I swallowed my pride and in so doing "upped" my game a notch by having the heat treat done by Rick Marchand. I just can't do a proper job on 52100 with my set up. He can.... and did. Thank you Rick!!

Hachidori

Blade: 8 7/8" x 2" x <1/8"(to the habaki) of hand forged 52100. Heat treat by Rick Marchand! Full flat grind with a 600 grit hand sanded finish.

Handle: 5 1/2" of Red Maple "onion burl" and Rosewood with stainless steel and copper spacers and peened pin, and a copper habaki. The handle wood has a food safe bee's wax finish.

Saya: Highly figured Red Maple with Rosewood hummingbird inlay and inset collar, inset onion burl flower(front and back) with Rosewood "pollen" on the head of the pin.

Please let me know what you think, I'd like to have your comments and critiques.

-Peter



















 
Very cool knife Peter.
Watching you over the years you have become quite the artist/knifemaker.
Thank You for posting the photos. I always enjoy seeing your new projects.
 
my wife would LOVE that knife. I love it too.
any chance you need some bike parts? lol
 
That's a nice one, would look good in any kitchen. I always know when I click one of your threads that there will be something interesting and unique to see.:thumbup:
Darcy:)
 
I was going to offer you my wife in trade but she likes it and is threatening me with castration...

Seriously, am I allowed to say..."I really really really want it"
 
Peter, this is just another in a long line of absolutely extraordinary pieces. I can't find anything about it that I don't like but tons of stuff I do like. The Hummingbird's flower doubling as a retention peg is just genius. Way to pretty to use………way too functional not to use.

Paul

Edit to add: (I never did see the "saya" but the sheath is out of this world):rolleyes:
 
"an herb chopper"

I like your command of English almost as much as I like this stunning piece. Actually make that almost as much as I love this stunning piece.
 
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beautiful and original piece!! You are a real artist, it is always a real pleasure when you share the pictures of your work...great pictures by the way :)
 
I love every aspect of it.....shibumi from tsuka to saya.

It is simply put, inspired genius of design and craft.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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