Integral Forged Tanto

Don Carlos Andrade

Don Carlos Andrade

Joined
Jan 12, 2011
Messages
88
I really wanted to share this one over here. I have been really hooked back on forging integrals again.....
...in fact, the first 3-4-years of making knives that is what I focused on...in fact my very first knife was a full tang integral;)

This Full Moon Integral Tanto was:
Forged-to-shape out of .75" square W1 and featuring some very rare old Westinghouse Glass Epoxy Micarta with vintage Westinghouse White linen Micarta inlay over a blind peened pin.

Copper-inlay bordering and engraved radiant-star motif executed by Bill Rice of Morro Bay CA, to mirror the carving in the Micarta on the handle.

OAL is 11.5" with a Blade that is 6".

I hope you enjoy seeing these images.

-DON:)

moontanto1b.jpg


moontanto3.jpg


moontanto4b.jpg


I appreciate the interest in this style of knife! I thought about what I could do that might be different and came up with the "Lotus Tanto" below as the first one I forged, then the "Full Moon Tanto"..
...So I figured I post this one too.

The Lotus Tanto is a bit larger with a 6.25" blade and 12.5" OAL. Again with engraving by Bill Rice in a lotus flower motif.

Thanks for looking & I'm glad I was able to inspire some of you to view them.
I too have not really been a HUGE Fan of Tanto Knives, since I mostly make chef knives & value utility above all else, but there are times when I love to push the limits of my forging ability...and these knives really did that.
The Lotus Integral was 5-hours of just forging time and the Full Moon Tanto was just a bout 4.5-hours. That's lots of heating and pounding!

lotus2.jpg


lotus3.jpg


lotus5.jpg
 
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I'm one of those forumites who has just gotta open and look at every thread, though anymore, I seldom comment. What initially caused me to take a closer look was that handle material, which intrigued me. Though not my style, the knife form also intrigued me. The "theme" in the handle is nicely done, too, as is the entire piece.

I had no idea a maker of custom knives resided in Los Osos or that an engraver could be found in Morro Bay. That's something I never would have expected, but am very happy to know.

Best regards,

Bob Betzner
 
very interesting knife, these are the kind of knives I like to see :thumbup:
 
design-wise, that is a very cool knife. Interesting juxtaposition between e nep and tanto with some gaucho flavour. Very bizarre- I quite like it.
Just based on the coloring of the handle material, I can't help but picture this same knife with jade scales.... and a low layer count, heavily etched damascus, (keeping the inlays and pins if possible).
 
Thanks for all the kind comments everybody!

Yes....Forged integrals from some very tight Damascus....I see in my future. I just need to learn to make Damascus like that!
I bugged Chad Nichols about it last time we talked and he just shook his head & said "man your killin'-me".

That handle material is amazing in natural light, the edged of the layers are bright neon-green!

-DON:)
 
Another looker who went back for several looks. There are some interesting elements to review. I almost did not open the thread because I have moved away from tanto style. But I am glad I opened the thread.
 
Thanks again for looking everybody. I thought I would add-in the first one I created as well.

Enjoy & thanks for the kind comments. These really took a lot of time at the forge!

-DON:)
 
I really like those. The blade shapes kinda remind me of something Tai Goo would forge out on one of his blades :cool: Ya gotta love integrals! Also great job on fitting the scales to the curved tang, thanks for sharing 'em :)

-Paul
www.youtube.com/Lsubslimed
 
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