I am a new maker...

Epsilon

Epsilon

Joined
Jan 15, 2002
Messages
430
I would like to formally introduce myself before I sign up for the whole exhange deal/knifemaker thing and try to sell a blade off of this great web site.

My name is Jason Arnold. I am 24 and live in Tucson, Arizona. I have been an amateur bladesmith for the last 3+ years and finally feel comfortable to sell a blade. Obsessive perfectionist would be an un-Godly understatement. Well, I figure I better start selling stuff if I want to do this FT pro one day (my dream), even if they aren't 100% perfect in my eyes. So here goes. In about a week and a half I will post a photo of my first blade for sale EVER. Marked #1 even. :D It's also my last stock removal fighting class blade I will make. Why? Because forging has a bite that won't let go. So all subsequent fighting class are all hand forged.

I specialize purely in Japanese style work. I am a stock removal maker turned forger. I work with 1045 and S-5. I only do bare blades and a hand machined foundation polish (actually arato 180grit equiv.). No furniture or fittings, but I do have a friend that will be doing all my shira-saya and possible buke-zukuri. I do ALL heat treating. Well, that's enough blabbing. Any advice anyone can offer upon stepping into the pro-arena? Most when selling and what not?

By the way, the knife to be displayed is an aikuchi.

Thanx guys,
Jason
 
Good Luck... Although Japanese style isn't quite my thing, I'll be interested to see your stuff. The Custom Knife forum here is always a good resource. It seems many of the top makers frequent it. Maybe you can post a pic or two or questions there and see what they say about a good course of action for you in starting to sell your blades. Although don't be commercial in your posts there. I think that is a no-no.

JT
 
It will be very interesting to see what you have to offer. It sounds like you will be offering knives in a traditional Japanese style. Is this correct?
 
Welcome to Bladeforums! I'll move this thread to the Shop Talk forum; that's where the knifemakers hang out and share tips.
 
Welcome aboard! I always appreciate new makers. What they may lack in experience, they make up for with fresh ideas and designs. Look forward to seeing your work.
 
Hey, glad to see a new face around these parts.
Always glad to see another newer maker around these parts.
I look forward to seeing some pics of your work posted sometime. :)
 
Thanxs guys for the welcome. Yes KWM, they will be traditional "looking". Styled after mostly. A hybrid here and there and I'm sure I'll offer something non-Japanese on rare occasion, like a bowie. Thanx again!

-Jason
 
Welcome Jason,looking forward to seeing you're work.You will love this place.Ask and you shall recieve.
Mark
 
welcome aboard Jason, everyone here was a new maker at one time or another. Just have fun--Dan
 
Looking forward to seeing your knives. :) Welcome to BFC. I've been making knives on and off for about 8 months now.
 
Glad to have you here on the forums. Lots of great info and folks can be found here. Now, enought with the nice stuff, let's see some knives:D
 
Thank you everyone, I didn't expect this kind of welcome but I think I could get used to it. :D I'm anxious to show my knife but I have to sign it, polish a little and gather some digital photo's. It will be next week some time. I may post it here sooner though, just without price and all obviously.

Larry, I used 1050 for some time in stock removal and was very pleased with its results. I switched to 1045 upon forging because I was further refining some personal theories on heat treating. I will get around to sharing them eventually. The main reason I use 1045 is primarily the impact resistance I can achieve with it. My primary focus is Japanese swords and these blades will be for those invloved with tameshigiri in Japanese swordsmanship. Pure performers.

-Jason
 
hi jason, welcome to the forums. the $30 for a makers menbership gets paid for several times a day. with all the great makers and related info you will get here. :)
 
Jason, Welcome! I too am looking forward to a picture. Maybe you can share some heat-treating tips. Can you make Japanese swords with that cool curve from quenching?
 
Bruce, I typically can get that curvature you asked about. Sometimes I forge it in a little though because I harden the spine and entire out profile. This technique leaves less room for curve to happen upon the quench. In the case of my tanto's, never actually. Unless forged so. I should have a katana completed in a few weeks actually. I'll get some pictures of it for all to see. It is mostly forged out, just some finish forging, heat treating, grinding and more heat treating, then more grinding. I only get one or two days a week (if that) to work on this stuff! Its frustrating sometimes. :( Hopefully sooner than later that will all change.

-Jason
 
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