kevin (the professor) Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Hello Everyone, This was a serious learning project. I managed to create my first leaf blade and first dagger. I am happy with the handle and the blade, although I had a bad time with the ricasso. Also, there are a couple of belt marks, and it needs more polish. But, I have always wanted to make a leaf blade dagger. I think they are beautiful. This one won't win any contests, but it means I am on my way! 10" blade 1.4" wide 1/8" thick flattened diamond cross-section handle is maple of some sort, brass guard leather spacer copper-nickel butt cap quenched in heated canola, tempered at 375F for 3 one-hour trials. Comments, encouragement, ideas, ADVICE, all welcomed. This was a challenge, and despite its obvious flaws, came out better than I expected. Thanks for looking, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRobb Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Beautiful knife! You should be proud. No advice as I'm still learmimg. But kudos on a fine job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tech413 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 That's a great looking blade, keep it up!! Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 No advice from me either, as I'm still at the beginning of the learning process, but everything seems to be good with the HT. Good job. What kind of steel did you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 It is 1095. At this point, that is all I ever really use. That or W2. I wanted to keep the steel simple and as close to the historical types as possible without learning how to smelt for myself. thanks for looking, kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 You amaze me sir!!! Wonderful work. Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 thanks for the kind words. A person with more experience than me told me that this may be better described as a spear point rather than leaf blade. It was forged as a leaf blade, but every time I goofed with grinding, I ended up taking a little more off of the swells or shortening the point to make up for it. So, I have almost parallel sides (it actually swells most of the way from ricasso to just behind point, then tapers to point - there is a very small swelling at base). My wife wants me to call it THE SMURF SWORD! It looks like a good cut and thrust compromise for a mighty blue warrior! (her comments). Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Waldon Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Nice job, But I don't consider things "spearpoints" unless they are on the points of spears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quentin Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 very nice. keep up the good work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegearjunkie Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 very nice, can't wait to get to making my own blades! Awsome job Prof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new guy Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 thats a bit big for a smurf. there only 3 apples high you know? any way great blade! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 New guy I checked with the expert, and she confirmed smurf height. Maybe it is sort of a smurf claymore? thanks for the compliment. I have now been trying to pattern weld, but have managed to goof it up every time I try to get more than 8 layers. I may make the lowest layer count ever (besides san mai). Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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