Katana #3

Wow! I almost missed this, it was getting ready to go to page 2! I can't tell you how brilliant that is, Stuart. Just lovely!
 
gotta see this at least once per page :)

SBranson said:
katana3sml_3_zpsghcnp11q.jpg


katana3sml_4_zpsgk42mp4l.jpg


katana3sml_7_zpscflxpdri.jpg


katana3sml_5_zpsfpmcdq9v.jpg


katana3sml_6_zps4utynpcf.jpg


katana3sml_2_zpshuv1uxer.jpg


katana3sml_1_zps3dqhexbk.jpg



[youtube]c8RLVsldj8w[/youtube]

[youtube]bKcSRHUAZBw[/youtube]

[youtube]xzMTlX1Zlqk[/youtube]

[youtube]j8VOKyPyLQA[/youtube]
Click to expand...
 
I'm blown away, Stuart! Outstanding piece. Could look at that hamon for hours. Great work. :thumbup:

- Joe
 
You still keep me in awe Stuart Branson.
I remember your 1st sword, the wakizashi. That was very impressive.

This last katana however... that is just incredible.
I've handled 3 nihonto that were considered juyo works. 2 had the exact same glow to the hamon.

Very good nie. However, the astonishing part of this sword is the amount of nioi which is present, that is NOT normal and very sought out specially with choji-style hamons. You must have meticulously worked the heat treatment process out.
 
Very impressive work. I am also forged katana and know very well what work lies behind this piece of steel. Congratulations, my friend. You have done great.

Michael.
 
After chasing the perfect hamon over the past few years, and knowing the narrow temp range that activity occurs within, I am in awe! If you tell me you used a forge to heat treat, not a salt bath, I will drop over. Incredible! :thumbup: :eek: :D
 
Thanks!

I did use a forge for HT. The one I use is about 1 1/2' to 2' long and I do the sawing motion to bring it up to temp. It usually takes about 20-30 mins this way and the arms get very tired but it's the best way I know how for W2 and water.
 
SBranson said:
Thanks!

I did use a forge for HT. The one I use is about 1 1/2' to 2' long and I do the sawing motion to bring it up to temp. It usually takes about 20-30 mins this way and the arms get very tired but it's the best way I know how for W2 and water.
Click to expand...

Impressive!!!! Talk about temp control!
 
Willie71 said:
Impressive!!!! Talk about temp control!
Click to expand...

Thanks. This is the best way I know because I only want the edge up into the "ashi" of the clay layout to get up to temp and keep the spine under critical. This gets tough around the tip and to keep it all balanced with the added mass close to the tang but it's the only way I know to prevent cracking the blade and as far as I can tell, replicate the process of the Japanese smiths. Best to do it at night.

Lycosa said:
I wudda ordered Red.
;)
rolf
Click to expand...

Ha, no kidding!
 
SBranson said:
Thanks. This is the best way I know because I only want the edge up into the "ashi" of the clay layout to get up to temp and keep the spine under critical. This gets tough around the tip and to keep it all balanced with the added mass close to the tang but it's the only way I know to prevent cracking the blade and as far as I can tell, replicate the process of the Japanese smiths. Best to do it at night.



Ha, no kidding!
Click to expand...

You definitely nailed it on this one! Unfortunately, this will be what every one from now on will be compared to.

I'm assuming a hybrid polish? It looks great! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Last edited:
Willie71 said:
You definitely nailed it on this one! Unfortunately, this will be what every one from now on will be compared to.
Click to expand...

Yep.

I am still absolutely thrilled with the ko-wakizashi that Stuart made for me a couple of years ago, but I have to admit that this Katana takes it to another level.

Congrats, Stuart. And congrats to the owner (and I even like the purple
redface.gif
).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top