progress Colwell and Wu duan dao

kevin -the professor

kevin -the professor

Joined
Dec 18, 2008
Messages
760
Hello All,

Just thought I would post the progress on the project that I have been lucky enough to do with Charles Wu. In case y'all thought I wasn't doing anything but full-tang hunters anymore. I am still working on Chinese swords, I just needed a break for some time to get a little working cash.

1. Charles Wu is a true artist and a very kind and humble man. Any of you who have the chance to work with him or commission his work will be very happy.
2. This one is almost done. I just need to get the handle wrapped (Matthew Parkinson, now I need you!).
3. What kind and color of cord do you guys thing is best (red, black, green?) There is a walnut sheath that is darkened somewhat to a deep/dark brown that you will see pics of when the finish and epoxy dries. So, what color and what type of cord should I buy (and where do you buy it)?

4. Sheath and fittings will be forthcoming.

5. I will probably spring for some Coop pics of this one.

This is the best blade I have ever made in the bolder random Damascus style. it is simply about 300 layers of 1080 and 15n20, but there are no flaws and the shape came out just like I wanted. The sheath is also good though I left the walls a little thicker than I will on future models. learning.

Charles's work is just stunning.

Let me know what y'all think. Comments welcomed, and info about cord.

Take care,

Kevin

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That is very good looking. The engraving/carving looks just right to go with the package.

As far as cord wrap I am not sure. I think a tan or natural almost would go with the blade package itself just not sure how it would look with the sheath.
 
here you go, everyone.

Sheath and fittings. Charles is a master! The hardware for hanging the sword from a belt will be slid closer to the guard/throat end of the sheath. I have to either pin it or epoxy it to give it a good hold. I am trying to work out a way to pin it. or maybe a couple of tacks and some epoxy. This part is a little stressful. This is the downside with working with someone across the ocean. if we were together, we could have played more with different ways of fitting together. Next time, I will likely inlet the wood somewhat for the straps. Live and learn. Still, I think the sheath is very nice. Hope y'all like it. Next one will be thinner walled, with inlets for straps. This is still fine for historical example (in fact the straps were glued in place historically).

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thanks for looking.

Kevin
 
Thanks Bill - I did the steel and wood. Charles Wu did the fittings except for blade collar (the only one without carving you will notice).

He is a master of his art.

I am working on my part.

I actually have a sanmei blade for a 28" dao made. I am trying to get a local artist to make the fittings. I think it is better for the customer and viewers if I stick to bladesmithing and let other types of artists do the carving. It will be years before I reach any real proficiency at that (just like it was years before I could make a true pattern welded sword blade rather than just a big freaking sharpened bar of steel or later a big knife).

So much complexity, so little time.

kc
 
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