Ko Katana

stephanfowler

stephanfowler

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
1,464
So you've possibly noticed the whole sword thing kinda going for me.

I have always been fascinated by swords and decided to kinda just go for it with occasional pieces that I'm interested in making.

so this here is a Ko Katan / O Wakazashi

W2 steel done with a water quench

19.75" Nagasa (edge length)
1.5" Motohaba (width from edge to spine at the handle end)
.4" Motokasane (thickest measurement at the handle end)
.3" Sori (depth of curve at the spine)

Now to shape and finish the Nakago and make Habaki

2016-03-15-19.16.10-1024x576.jpg
 
Hey Stephan,

The hamon is completely screwed right now....the boshi is in the middle of the blade. Not even sure what to say beyond that.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
That blade has a lot of potential. It is definitely thick enough that you can grind some off and not miss it.

The shape is pleasing, and the proportions are good. That being said, I think you should heat treat it again, with the clay lower on the blade and the boshi out near the point. Please don't take offense, you know I have been a fan of your work for years, and I perceive as sort of a forum-friend. After all, we have seen each other grow on this and other forums. I think a new heat treat would be better, because that won't leave too much of the sword too hard, which could have some serious problems in usage (as you know as well as I do).
take care,
kc
 
Kevin -

I had already been considering rehardening.

mostly this blade was an effort of practicing the geometry of Shinogi Zukuri and I feel I got pretty darn close. I'm not exactly known as a sword maker but I've always been fascinated by the geometry and style of these swords.

My greatest success on this piece was getting the natural Sori the way that I did. I've never once managed to get a graceful Sori from a quench and this one by far came out the best.

As it is an experiment / practice piece I will very likely redo the hardening.
 
Quick question. Can you get a good Hammon with a different quench medium than the salt water?.

I feel like the chances for a crack, especially with a re-quench in water would be too risky for my poor nerves.


Visually, I understand the requests to read harden with the hamon being lower, but from a functional standpoint with the quality of modern W2 is it functionally of any benefit strength wise?
 
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