November 23, 201213 yr So I was just doing this dagger as a test for creating hamons, but it turned out so well I want to finish it... however I didn't think ahead with handle design. The blade is a recycled double-convex file, stock removed to shape; the hard part was getting the clay to stay in shape (it's a dagger), so I used so arts-n-crafts pipe cleaners to give the clay better form. I heat treated with my own typical Japanese clay, quenched for half a second in water then moved to oil. I was hoping you guys would have an idea as to what would match the style. I had been thinking damascus oval guard, and a simple tapering handle, maybe with groove(s) for grip - but I wasn't sold on my own idea. I would appreciate any input, Theo
November 23, 201213 yr its your call, but I would like to point out you were lucky to not shatter it in the quench with all those file cuts still there in the center line. They will still be a long term rust trap
November 23, 201213 yr wow it just looks amazing. Maybe a simple circular handle would look good on it. Say use a couple of different materials to add effect.
November 23, 201213 yr Author Aden, maybe something like an oval guard, and cylindrical cocobolo handle? Steve, in the future should I always grind smooth recycled files?
November 23, 201213 yr Maybe google daggers and search knife sales sites and look for blades similiar and see if a handle style calls out to you.
November 24, 201213 yr Looks sweet, I would keep the handle simple. Maybe a birch bark handle with a Little guard or something? can't go wrong with a blade like that though. keep it up.
November 24, 201213 yr I would forge weld some allthread on the tang (well do a quick tack with the mig then forge it) and thread a butt cap. I'm lazy that way. I don't think you'd have any problems with cracking as you didn't forge the teeth into the blade. I've wondered if that was possible to get a double hammon. Good work, look forward to seeing the finished product.
November 24, 201213 yr Birch bark handle? I have never seen that used on a knife before. Do you have pics of it on a knife?
November 24, 201213 yr Author James, a coffin handle is perfect. I've already selected a piece of wood, but the shape is exactly what I'm looking for, Thanks!
November 24, 201213 yr Theo I've had failures from leaving File Teeth. Stress risers! I anneal then grind all teeth off before forging. The Coffin Handle would be cool. Nice job on the Dagger and the Hamon.
November 24, 201213 yr The sheathe in the article on brich bark hadles is wot I had envisioned when it was mentioned..The handle on the knfe made the way they did it makes prrfect sense...Thanks for the link.
November 24, 201213 yr Author Thanks guys! I'm working on the guard fit now, maybe I'll have some pictures tonight or tomorrow. Too excited to eat lunch, haha.
November 24, 201213 yr Author Here's a pic with the glue drying. Went with a damascus oval guard, fileworked my mark on both side. Soonafter it's finished I'll be handing it over to the photographer for better pictures.
November 26, 201213 yr Here's a pic with the glue drying. Went with a damascus oval guard, fileworked my mark on both side. Soonafter it's finished I'll be handing it over to the photographer for better pictures. That's a way cooler .
November 27, 201213 yr Author My next project couple of projects are going to be about focusing on getting better at painting with crystals. Bought some high vanadium crucible steel and some 1080 - experimentation time!
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