After long deliberation, this is the design I settled on for my first build. I was looking to keep it as simple as possible while still being interesting. I am shooting for what I think of as a modern kwaiken but with a full tang. Here are the specs:
3/16" 5160 (made in my hometown of Ashland KY)
Overall - 10 1/4" Edge - 5" At widest point it is 1 1/4"
No plans to fit a guard or bolster, clean and simple is the plan.
Handle material is yet to be determined, thinking piano key black ebony with two 3/16" ss pins properly centered. Not much if any ricasso area, scales will go to about 1/4" from the bevel. I plan to blend the plunge lines once I get them even. They are almost there, just got to make the obverse side a little deeper near the spine and even out the termination point. It is a convex grind achieved with a padded sanding stick, and draw filing to begin with of course. The tapered drops from the ricasso area to the end of the tang were also done by draw filing. Have them as flat as I can tell with a metal straight edge, once I find a slab of granite I'll be able to tell for sure. No electricity was consumed on my end making this knife so far. Didn't even use lights since it has been done outside under natural lighting. I'm not a hippie, just don't have a shop yet.
So what do you think? Does it make you think of a geisha pulling one out of her sleeve? I could use tips on blending those plunge lines if anyone has any? Design wise I know the handle portion isn't going to greet you like a firm handshake, but I wasn't going for that type and the foam board mock ups I made before felt pretty good, for what it is. That 1/8" drop down the length of the tang, top and bottom, really makes a difference and the scales will be flared somewhat (thickness-wise). I plan to get as much contour as I can with thick scales since it is a rearward tapering handle.
As for the future sheath, I am thinking that a heavy leather welt construction sheath with a wide retaining strap at the top (original leather Cold Steel Tanto sheath from the late 80's-90's) or a wooden saya type. Ideas here are more than welcome. Ideas and criticism are welcome and wanted on any point.
Finally, I would like to thank ALL the members of this forum. I come here daily to learn, it's my bladesmithing college. The knowledge that I have gleaned from here is beyond value. Thank you again.
3/16" 5160 (made in my hometown of Ashland KY)
Overall - 10 1/4" Edge - 5" At widest point it is 1 1/4"
No plans to fit a guard or bolster, clean and simple is the plan.
Handle material is yet to be determined, thinking piano key black ebony with two 3/16" ss pins properly centered. Not much if any ricasso area, scales will go to about 1/4" from the bevel. I plan to blend the plunge lines once I get them even. They are almost there, just got to make the obverse side a little deeper near the spine and even out the termination point. It is a convex grind achieved with a padded sanding stick, and draw filing to begin with of course. The tapered drops from the ricasso area to the end of the tang were also done by draw filing. Have them as flat as I can tell with a metal straight edge, once I find a slab of granite I'll be able to tell for sure. No electricity was consumed on my end making this knife so far. Didn't even use lights since it has been done outside under natural lighting. I'm not a hippie, just don't have a shop yet.
So what do you think? Does it make you think of a geisha pulling one out of her sleeve? I could use tips on blending those plunge lines if anyone has any? Design wise I know the handle portion isn't going to greet you like a firm handshake, but I wasn't going for that type and the foam board mock ups I made before felt pretty good, for what it is. That 1/8" drop down the length of the tang, top and bottom, really makes a difference and the scales will be flared somewhat (thickness-wise). I plan to get as much contour as I can with thick scales since it is a rearward tapering handle.
As for the future sheath, I am thinking that a heavy leather welt construction sheath with a wide retaining strap at the top (original leather Cold Steel Tanto sheath from the late 80's-90's) or a wooden saya type. Ideas here are more than welcome. Ideas and criticism are welcome and wanted on any point.
Finally, I would like to thank ALL the members of this forum. I come here daily to learn, it's my bladesmithing college. The knowledge that I have gleaned from here is beyond value. Thank you again.
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