My KITH WIP

tryppyr

tryppyr

Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
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Because it takes me longer to get through the process of making a knife, I've started designing my KITH entry already. I've decided to revisit an idea that I had long ago, and push my skills to achieve better results this time. I'm aiming for a curvy dagger design with a sharply defined center line, and just enough of a ricasso to hold my mark. The blade will, of course, be damascus (1/8th inch thick, 1084/15N20 random). Blade length will be 6.5 inches, so overall length will come in at about 11.5 - 12 inches.

I'm currently thinking of making the handle from a single piece of ivory with a simple spiral ridge down the length, ending in an integral pommel.

I haven't settled on the design of the guard yet, but I want it to be appropriate to the curvy shape of the blade and the twist of the handle. Initially, I'll probably play with the guard I made some months ago from a piece of 1095 scrap. I doubt that will be what I end up with though, unless it comes together better than I anticipate. After viewing the WIP on the CKCA charity knife, I'm thinking the guard I end up with will probably require me to obtain an OA torch so I can bend the ends.

By way of images, all I have so far is the blade blank design.

KITH1.jpg


Your comments and suggestions are, as always, welcomed.

As an aside, I'm going to spend a lot more time measuring and tuning this blade than I do for my normal projects. I want this one to be held to much tighter tolerances.

- Greg
 
I like it, and am interested to see it finished. You think you are starting yours early, I had mine ground out and ready for HT a few weeks ago, just waiting for the KITH announcement. One thing that Iam really interested in seeing is how you make that center line with the curved edge. I am working on a recurve right now and I have no idea on how you could get the straight line without changing the bevel angle, so I will be watching this one closely to see if I can pick up a few tips:thumbup:
 
I really like that design! I seem to recall someone on here making something very similar recently, but much larger (20" I think). I'll see if I can find a picture and maybe email it to you, if you wish.

I too have settled on a design for the kith, I am going to attempt an aikuchi. I have my steel selected, materials I would like to use picked out, and building a game plan.

I will be following you along on your wip.


-Xander
 
Greg,I like it.You are setting the bar high for the rest of us,now to get over the top.
Stan
 
tryppyr

Man, you like a challenge! Not only will you have to get a distinct center line, the grind angle is going to vary as the blade curves. How do you sleep at night?

- Paul Meske
 
The blank is now cut and scored with the center line (on both sides) and the guideline for the plunges (on both sides). What I really need is a tool that lets me score a center line along the edges.

Anyway, I took measurements after cutting and made sure it was symmetrical... equal distances from the center line all along the length.

KITH2.jpg
 
I had thought of making a dagger, but I decided that it was still way out of my skill set. I am just not that precise yet, to me a template and guide lines are just a suggestion and once I get started it becomes more of a flow thing. I am kind of envious right now:(
 
Greg,
The only piece of advise I can offer is one that I used to give apprentices -
"Start simpler and work up to harder."
The more complex things you add to the design, the more problems you will encounter. The grind alone is going to be a challenge. Adding an angled plunge line, a carved and fluted ivory handle, and a sculpted guard will make this quite a project.
Just food for thought.
 
Thanks, Stacy.

Honestly, what I'm most concerned about might be the thing most of you would consider the easy part... getting the guard right. Having never worked with an OA torch nor moved any hot metal, I'm feeling totally unprepared for that. It's probably simple... in the same way that building computers is simple. Easy if you know what you're doing, easy to screw up if you don't. I've been trying to devise the "fall back" plan for the guard... something I can carve out of a solid piece without the need to twist or bend it. Haven't come up with anything I like yet, but still thinking about it.
 
Just want to second what Stacy said, that's a lot of blade there Greg. At least you started early. Good luck.
 
I'm already committed to the basic blade design, as I started the primary grind already. If it turns out to be beyond my ability, I'll start over or withdraw. For now, I'll press on until I hit an insurmountable problem.

My technique, for anyone who cares, is to cut in the plunge line first, then draw the file down the length of the blade (two handed hold on the file) maintaining the file as flat and level as possible.

Here's the latest.

KITH3.JPG


KITH4.JPG
 
Hard to believe, but my wife has allowed me to spend time at home today, so naturally I'm spending it working on this blade. I decided to work the same process on the other side of the blade so it doesn't end up lopsided (as one of my previous blades did). All the plunge lines have now been cut, but there's still a lot of file work needed before I switch to sandpaper. By the way, one thing that took a bit of time was making absolutely sure the plunge lines were at the correct angle, and that they crossed at the scored center line. I want those arrow heads pointing straight down the center line.

Now I'm dealing with the issue that Lonepine mentioned. It's not really a big problem, but I'm being careful not to create "thin" spots by overworking one section. I'm also being careful not to work one side harder than I work the other. That turns out to be more of a challenge because it's easier for me to work the right side than it is the left. On the right side I push the file.. on the left I pull. Pulling takes more our of me for no obvious reason.

- Greg
 
You have discovered the interesting challenges presented by any pattern with a "recurved" edge. And a straight spine. Let alone a double-edged one. I know you have a commitment to detail, and by working with hand-tools as you are, you'll be able make small mistakes slowly and correct them, not make huge OOPS quickly and end up throwing blades deep into the woods behind your house... (or maybe that's just me :o)

Take your time and think things through, you'll be fine. I certainly admire your willingness to challenge yourself.
 
With all those curves filing the plunge lines with a chain saw file might look good.
 
Slow, careful, plodding progress is being made. I'm focusing my attention on getting the bevels flat and the center line moving toward the center. After a few hours of filing, my wrists are aching. Still a fair amount of first cut filing to do yet. This may be about all the progress I'll make this week as I have another 4 day business trip ahead.

KITH5.JPG


KITH6.JPG
 
Back from my business trip. I spent some time this morning finishing up the first cut filing and started the second cut filing. Nowhere near finished with that yet, but I like the progress I see. Your critical feedback is very welcome. If you see something wrong at any stage please don't hesitate to tell me.

KITH7.JPG


KITH8.JPG
 
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