Stormcrow
Well-Known Member
This was a request from a fellow who really likes the work of Phill Hartsfield. Which meant he wanted a chisel-ground tanto with a cord-wrapped handle. We were originally thinking of it as an aikuchi, meaning without a guard, but I tried it with a Turk's head prior to applying the epoxy and we decided to go with it.
This project took way longer than it should have. The issues were largely mental on my part; there were some aspects that were more difficult for me with it being chisel ground, but not that bad. Still, I kind of feel like I should have included a certificate with it like Bob Loveless did with his one Damascus knife.
The blade is 9" long, forged from 1/4" x 1" 5160 steel. The spine is rounded. This is a chisel edge for a righty, and I'm a lefty, but I think I did all right.
The handle has a foundation of neoprene, followed by black paracord and coyote tan paracord, with a black two-strand Turk's head knot, all impregnated with West System marine epoxy.
With the lighting and my camera acting wonky, it was kind of difficult to catch the bevels well, but I think they show up better in these in-hand shots.
And finally, a coyote tan Kydex sheath to go with it.
I thought that sharpening might prove tricky, but it went smoothly. I just made sure to keep a burr from forming on the back side. It ended up pretty much scaring the hair off my arm.
I'm still not a fan of chisel ground blades, but I'm rather pleased with this one.
This project took way longer than it should have. The issues were largely mental on my part; there were some aspects that were more difficult for me with it being chisel ground, but not that bad. Still, I kind of feel like I should have included a certificate with it like Bob Loveless did with his one Damascus knife.
The blade is 9" long, forged from 1/4" x 1" 5160 steel. The spine is rounded. This is a chisel edge for a righty, and I'm a lefty, but I think I did all right.
The handle has a foundation of neoprene, followed by black paracord and coyote tan paracord, with a black two-strand Turk's head knot, all impregnated with West System marine epoxy.
With the lighting and my camera acting wonky, it was kind of difficult to catch the bevels well, but I think they show up better in these in-hand shots.
And finally, a coyote tan Kydex sheath to go with it.
I thought that sharpening might prove tricky, but it went smoothly. I just made sure to keep a burr from forming on the back side. It ended up pretty much scaring the hair off my arm.
I'm still not a fan of chisel ground blades, but I'm rather pleased with this one.
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