Ontario Black Wind Katana and Swamprat Waki

UCPOPO

UCPOPO

Joined
Dec 2, 2010
Messages
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Well I've been looking for a bit of a bush sword to keep around just for the heck of it. I recently purchased a Swamprat Waki and also an older Ontario Black Wind Katana. While the Swamprat feel quite well in hand, Im not sure I can justify a $450 blade for something I will rarely use. This one was professional convexed and is CRAZY sharp. You can just feel the quality of it though. Love the feel of the handle even though it is a bit long in reality. I do like the Ontario Katana as the handle is a bit shorter and the blade is a bit longer and thicker then the Swamprat. Im sure the steel isn't anywhere near the quality of the Swamprat but 1095 should get the job done. I'm surprised these were not any more popular then they were and were discontinued. I got this one used with the leather wrap but I may take it off and do a nice paracord wrap on it. I know they haven't made these for some time but I think it may be my keeper. I like the simplicity of it and the fact that I wouldn't be afraid to use it hard as it was ALOT less then $450. Anyway, heres a quick pic of the two:

DSC00808.jpg
 
I think they were disco'd because it was a product before its time. "Tactical" swords, sword/machete hybrids, and the zombie phenomenon all didn't exist yet. It would be a good seller if they brought it back in the present market.
 
Would love to do a rehandle on that bad boy. Do you know if there are holes in the handle suitable for pins, or is it solid? That would look perty in some G10 or micarta.
 
Green canvas micarta would be pretty excellent. If I had one I'd reshape that kissaki into something a little closer to traditional, too.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Would love to do a rehandle on that bad boy. Do you know if there are holes in the handle suitable for pins, or is it solid? That would look perty in some G10 or micarta.
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Its has two holes in the handle actually. Im trying to figure out what I want to do with it handle wise.
 
I'm with 42. Green canvas micarta or maybe some green/black G10, epoxied and pinned, a little bit of texturing to avoid slippage, and reprofile the kissaki. That would be some smexy right there. What's the steel?
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
I'm with 42. Green canvas micarta or maybe some green/black G10, epoxied and pinned, a little bit of texturing to avoid slippage, and reprofile the kissaki. That would be some smexy right there. What's the steel?
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I kinda like your idea as well. So who wants to do the work for me? ;) The steel is 1095.
 
I'm out of black/green G10, unfortunately. But if you want to pay for some more, or if you don't mind cocobolo, I could do it for you.
 
Im thinking I may strip the finish, reshape the handle and guard a bit and have some G10 attached. It may need another hole or two put in it for scales. Any suggestions for the work? Im sure I can handle everything but would prefer someone else do the G10. Im thinking black sounds like a good idea now ;)
 
UCPOPO said:
Im thinking I may strip the finish, reshape the handle and guard a bit and have some G10 attached. It may need another hole or two put in it for scales. Any suggestions for the work? Im sure I can handle everything but would prefer someone else do the G10. Im thinking black sounds like a good idea now ;)
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That would be sweet. Do a WIP thread! I'd love to see the progress.
 
Handles aren't too hard; just get a respirator and goggles for that G10 dust, and maybe some mosaic pins from knifekits that fit the holes you've got. Epoxy the scales on and pin. I'd use a dremel to texture the handle. Gah, can't wait for my steel to come in from Aldo so I can make another short sword. This is going to be a sweet project for you. Definitely would love a WIP thread.
 
Well...I suppose I can find some time for it to handle and recoat the blade with something like baked k&g gun kote if you want some protection and color. It is wet applied so I can air brush some kind of pattern on it as well. Let me know in a message.
 
Are you sure those are made of 1095? I have one I bought back in the late 1990s from Brigade Quartermaster, and I seem to recall the ad saying they were made of 440 series stainless. I could be wrong though, or the ad could have been wrong.....Anyhow, I must admit I'm a little embarrassed I have one. It seems so mall-ninja-ish to me.....especially with the scimitar impression on the sheath. I was actually looking at it the other day while organizing my safe, and I thought, "I really need to get rid of this." Oh, I have a rodent waki too and I love it.
 
riversidedep said:
Are you sure those are made of 1095? I have one I bought back in the late 1990s from Brigade Quartermaster, and I seem to recall the ad saying they were made of 440 series stainless. I could be wrong though, or the ad could have been wrong.....Anyhow, I must admit I'm a little embarrassed I have one. It seems so mall-ninja-ish to me.....especially with the scimitar impression on the sheath. I was actually looking at it the other day while organizing my safe, and I thought, "I really need to get rid of this." Oh, I have a rodent waki too and I love it.
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Everything I've read on the Ontario Black Wind says 1095. Theres alot of swords simular in appearance that were 440 ss. Email sent though ;)
 
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