Benjy's KITH BUILD

[Benjy]

So, I have started on my KITH project, i started making the metal this weekend. I started out with some 1084 and 15N20. I cut and stacked up 2, 13 layer billets. Forge welded them, drew them out, cut them into 4 pieces, restacked and forge welded them back together.
We now have 2 billets at 52 layers each. I forged them into a 1" round bar, i twisted one clockwise and the other counter clockwise. I then forged them into a 3/4" square bar around 18" long.
Anyone know what Damascus pattern i am attempting?
In the process, i dulled my band saw blade, broke a die clamp on my press and burnt up the motor on my belt sander.

 

[Benjy]

More pictures

 

[Dennis Morland]

Not sure of the pattern but I will be following along. Should be an awesome ride. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

 

[Sean Jones]

Looking good! Following along.

 

[Greg Rice]

I'ma take a guess - twisted sister I have no idea but thanks for sharing the journey - will be following along for sure!!!!!

 

[Brad Walker]

Nice!! Can't wait to see how it turns out

 

[Benjy]

Haha, twisted sister, i like it!
This is my first attempt at a turkish twist, this is a far as i could get with all my equipment failures.
I will have to do some repairs next week end so i can finish up the billet.
I hope to have 7 rows/bars of twist. Looks pretty cool afer a quick etch.

 

[Greg Rice]

Wow - so very cool! I would like to think that maybe one day... but who am I kiddin'? I will make 'twisted sister' damascus through watching you! Keep the info coming!!!

 

[Mark Barone]

Very cool. Who’s the lucky guy to get that blade? Oh wait it’s me!!

 

[Benjy]

Very cool. Who’s the lucky guy to get that blade? Oh wait it’s me!!

I have been wanting to try this pattern for a while and i figured you needed something a little special for being the event coordinator. I have a blade in mind, i hope it works out, should be pretty cool!!!

 

[Benjy]

I have all my equipment up and running, filled up the propane tank, cleaned and welded the billet together. Hopefully, i can get this welded and forged to shape tomorrow! I can't believe how much steel is "sacrificed " with this pattern!

 

[Dennis Morland]

I can't believe how much steel is "sacrificed " with this pattern!

That is so cool. I was going to ask if you were making a sword?? That is a lot of steel.

 

[Benjy]

That is so cool. I was going to ask if you were making a sword?? That is a lot of steel.

I thought i was going to have two nice billets but i will be happy with one. I do have 3, 4" end pieces that did not twist up tight, that i am going to forge into a billet. It should look pretty cool also.

 

[Benjy]

I had a good day, i forged the 5 bar stack and made what appears to be a nice billet. I also forged it to shape. I left it in the forge to anneal it. I put a couple videos on Instagram. I will put some good profile pictures up when the blade cools off.

 

[Benjy]

Here is the forged profile, gonna clean it up on the grinder. I am curious to see the finished Damascus pattern!

 

[billyO]

I am curious to see the finished Damascus pattern!

you're not the only one. This is why I use etching opposed to dykem as my layout fluid.....no patience. Also fun to see how the pattern changes as one grinds the bevels and does the finish grinding.

 

[Benjy]

I cleaned up the profile and ground out the forge marks on the blade, of course i had to do a quick etch to see what the pattern looks like.
Next, a little more grinding, drilling pin holes stamping my makers mark and some file work on the back of the handle. I will do the heat treat this weekend.

 

[billyO]

That's going to be a beast! Looking forward to the finished product.

 

[Greg Rice]

That is awesome!

 

[Benjy]

I started working on the handle scales, i picked out a nice piece of cherry, fired up the chain saw and shreaded up about 2 gallons of shavings!