Western Tanto in W2 and Karelian Birch

Erin Burke

Erin Burke

Well-Known Member
It's been a crazy year... and this knife was a LONG time in the making.

I'm calling this one a Western Tanto... the adjective "Western" giving me license to mangle and misuse a myriad of traditional Japanese terms. ;)


Some Stats:
Length: 13-7/8"
Blade: 8-1/16" (Tip to choil), 0.093" thick at the guard
Weight: 227.5g (0.5lbs)
Steel: Differentially Heat-Treated W2
Handle: Karelian Birch scales with black G10 frame and 550-cord wrap
Tsuba/Guard: Mild Steel
Fittings: Copper
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A few random notes:
  • I really like Karelian Birch... but it is a bear to photograph. This is one of several blocks that I picked up from Mark at Burl Source a few years ago. It has a warm butterscotch feel to it.
  • The cord wrap was sunk into the handle and then hardened/stabilized with West Systems epoxy.
  • Sheath-making is not fun. This sheath comes dressed with a matching piece of birch taken from the same block as the handle.
  • I did a WIP-ish type thread on this build over in WIPs and Tutorials. If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.

Please feel free to let me know what you think.

Erin
 
Bone Arrowhead Adam said:
Whoa, now that's a smoker! Just love how you incorporated the design with the sheath. Beautiful build!
Click to expand...

Thanks Adam... I appreciate the feedback. The sheath thing is something I've done a few times in the past, and it really seems to pull the theme together on these Japanese-inspired knives.
Thanks again.
Erin
 
I keep coming back to look at this one, such a unique blending of styles, a truly multicultural piece...
 
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