New Year, New sword

stephanfowler

stephanfowler

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
1,464
So, My big Resolution this year is to get back into Japanese blades.

When I started bladesmithing it was with the intent of working my way up to Katana. I have been spending several years now building up the fundamentals that will allow me to get there.

This is my very first long blade

Wakazashi

18" Blade
6.5" Nakago (Tang)
.375" Sori (Curve)
1.375" Wide at Machi (Handle end)
1.05" Wide at Yokote (line of where the "tip" begins)

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wak_polish3.jpg


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wak_polish5.jpg


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Not bad at all, Stephan.....


Nice that you do your own polish, and make your own habaki, they are tough in the beginning!

I like the hamon very much.

Looks nice, not much sori, though, huh? VERY high shinogi ji.....Bailey did similar for me on my katana.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
Not bad at all, Stephan.....


Nice that you do your own polish, and make your own habaki, they are tough in the beginning!

I like the hamon very much.

Looks nice, not much sori, though, huh?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

I have a TON to learn about getting the polish right, the yokote needs some attention on this one.

I thought 3/8ths was pretty decent considering the Nagasa. Although admittedly I've handled precious few authentic pieces.
 
That is very impressive work - you should be poud. The very thought of quenching a blade that long and slim makes me cringe.

Roger
 
Nice photos Stephan. That is not easy to show, and you did a great job. I'm impressed!

Coop
 
stephan....is this for a customer?....i know u said you did it to sort of test your abilities.....do you plan on cutting with it?....if so please share the results with us.....it looks great by the way.....what ru palnning for the handle....ryan
 
Coop - Thank you very much, that means a lot coming from you, I plan to send this one to you when I get the mount finished.


I am going to do a traditional mount, I ordered a "Waves" Tsuba (guard) and a set of Fuchi / Kashira (ferrule and buttcap) and a Samurai in a boat Menuki.

I will do my regular test cuts with it, then repolish and it will be posted for sale.
 
Since this is actually the second of this blade (the first one cracked HORRIBLY in the quench, stupid water) I decided to go with a Water theme to remind me.


menuki.jpg

fuchikashira.jpg
tsuba.jpg
 
I've done a little review and I don't really feel that Tsuba (guard) is appropriate for this piece, I'll have to get back on the hunt for a better fit for the theme
 
Very nice looking blade there.:D I only wish I had a forge and could get into making swords like that. Maybe someday.....
 
stephanfowler said:
I've done a little review and I don't really feel that Tsuba (guard) is appropriate for this piece, I'll have to get back on the hunt for a better fit for the theme
Click to expand...

Coming along quite nicely! Looks like you have the basics of where all of the planes should be and now it's just a matter of tweaking here and there.

I agree with you on the tsuba...my vote would be for something more open and "light" based on the blade profile.
 
unfortunately modern production Tsuba of decent quality are decidedly lacking in Wakizashi options. But I'll find something, or just make one....
 
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