Mike157
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2006
- Messages
- 3,180
Just wanted to share this latest creation from Stuart. I could go on about how thrilled I am with this one, but I'm sure most of you understand.
The blade is W2 with a very sweet hamon, if I'm allowed to say so.
Blade tip to tsuba is 12-1/4" (31.12 cm).
Overall length, from tip to kashira (butt cap) is 17" (43.18 cm).
The wood used for the saya and handle is alder. The saya has multiple layers of hand rubbed lacquer with sparkles included.
The koiguchi (reinforcement piece at the mouth of the saya) and kurikata (loop where the saya cord (sageo) is attached) are both stabilized ebony.
The tsuba, fuchi, and kashira (fittings) are all from the Edo period.
The habaki, seppa, and menuki are all made from copper. Stuart hand carved the menuki (well, he made seppa and habaki too).
Black same (rayskin) under the handle wrap.
The ito (handle wrap) is silk as is the sageo.
Stuart also made the very clean and appropriate stand from the wood, wenge. The base and both stages of the stand are lined with leather.
An interesting story Stuart related about the tsuka-ito. When John White was preparing to make his Japanese influenced bowie, he and Stuart discussed handle wrapping techniques. After the bowie was completed (Look it up if you haven't seen it. It is gorgeous!), John related that he did not anticipate making this handle style in the future. Stuart purchased the remaining ito from John. It sat until recently, where much of it was used to wrap the handle on this piece. We're all connected somehow!
Coop created the very fine composite photo of the piece. Thank you Jim! If you read Jim's account of his equipment failure, just before the Arkansas Knife Show, it occurred when he was shooting this piece. Fortunately, all involved survived unscathed (except maybe Jim's nerves).
Stuart supplied the work in progress and the first tanto-in-stand photo. I (amateur that I am)
took the last photo in its place of display. Of course, I forgot to wipe the oil off of it first and in trying to capture the hamon, the photo doesn't show much background.
Enough of my gabbing. If I've made errors or there are questions, feel free to point them out/ask.
Hope up you enjoy the pictures. Mike
The blade is W2 with a very sweet hamon, if I'm allowed to say so.
Blade tip to tsuba is 12-1/4" (31.12 cm).
Overall length, from tip to kashira (butt cap) is 17" (43.18 cm).
The wood used for the saya and handle is alder. The saya has multiple layers of hand rubbed lacquer with sparkles included.
The koiguchi (reinforcement piece at the mouth of the saya) and kurikata (loop where the saya cord (sageo) is attached) are both stabilized ebony.
The tsuba, fuchi, and kashira (fittings) are all from the Edo period.
The habaki, seppa, and menuki are all made from copper. Stuart hand carved the menuki (well, he made seppa and habaki too).
Black same (rayskin) under the handle wrap.
The ito (handle wrap) is silk as is the sageo.
Stuart also made the very clean and appropriate stand from the wood, wenge. The base and both stages of the stand are lined with leather.
An interesting story Stuart related about the tsuka-ito. When John White was preparing to make his Japanese influenced bowie, he and Stuart discussed handle wrapping techniques. After the bowie was completed (Look it up if you haven't seen it. It is gorgeous!), John related that he did not anticipate making this handle style in the future. Stuart purchased the remaining ito from John. It sat until recently, where much of it was used to wrap the handle on this piece. We're all connected somehow!
Coop created the very fine composite photo of the piece. Thank you Jim! If you read Jim's account of his equipment failure, just before the Arkansas Knife Show, it occurred when he was shooting this piece. Fortunately, all involved survived unscathed (except maybe Jim's nerves).
Stuart supplied the work in progress and the first tanto-in-stand photo. I (amateur that I am)
took the last photo in its place of display. Of course, I forgot to wipe the oil off of it first and in trying to capture the hamon, the photo doesn't show much background.
Enough of my gabbing. If I've made errors or there are questions, feel free to point them out/ask.
Hope up you enjoy the pictures. Mike
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