Made from some junk I had around the shop - Mikazuki Kontanto making of / process

how awesome is this!
 
Really, really enjoyed this thread! The final product is really cool and seeing it evolve form the original pieces was most excellent :thumbup:
 
omg you were not kidding about doing it the hard way!! but amazing use of misc materials to create a beautiful knife rich with soul
 
yes, more to come for sure! first time to make some more charcoal, then back to the forge...hard to find dry wood around these coastal rainforest parts in winter!
 
That's some really sweet work you've done there. I like your use of traditional techniques and salvaged materials.
Darcy:)
 
What a beautiful piece. Thank you so much for showing us not only the techniques but also the thought process that goes into creating something from nothing!
 
I really enjoyed this post. Thank you for taking the time and care to share your process with us.
 
A little late to this party but I really enjoyed your process pics. They have deepened my understanding and appreciation of your ethos.
 
Just amazing. This is one of those threads that I'll remember two years from now when a question regarding rice glue pops up.

Funny, it's so traditional it's original. :)
 
Absolutely awesome, what a knife and thanks for taking he pictures an sharing. As a new knife maker that is inspiring, especially since I'm using all hand tools.
 
Beautiful little knife and scabbard! I am curious about your natural glues? Do they hold up to real world use? How waterproof are they? Sorry if this has been answered before. Love your reclaiming discarded and "found" items!
 
What is the wood you used for the tsuka? Looks like bass or poplar but I'm not sure if either of those are likely. For all of their simplicity they are some of my favorites in terms of looks.
 
thanks, all!

@SBranson, thank you, Sir! never to late to party!

@Droptine5 yes! hand tools are great and you can get a lot of creating done if you resist the urge to toolup like crazy first...

@PaMtnBkr the kusune is very waterproof, it is similar to what wine barrels used to be lined with...the rice paste is better than i would have thought, though i need to do some quantitative tests...for now i use regular wood glue on my outdoor stuff that will see hard use...sokui is not as strong and i like using it under wrapping rather than on its own...

@Strigamort, its is Yellow Cedar from the island here...i often use it as my "local" substitute for Honoki as i have a more regular supply of it...found a nice chunk of old growth 20 year old driftwood the other day...
 
@strigamort, @PaMtnBkr ...i just posted this "worst case scenario" test of a handle that used only sokui (rice paste glue) for strength.

traditionally this glue would only be a single component of a handle system involving mekugi, seppa, fuchi, rawhide wrapping, and sometimes silk cord and a kashira to create a strong and durable handle for tanto.

i was surprised by the results, it performed far better than i thought it would, and i can see how just a couple more components (like mekugi and seppa) would really multiply the strength in critical areas...great system, those nihonto!

islandblacksmith.ca/2014/03/sokui-rice-paste-glue-strength-testing/
 
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