A couple of pieces I've made during the pandemic

[My_Teenage_Self]

And so it goes, this one is junk too.

I managed to gain another inch of blade, thinned it nicely, reshaped the handle - all was good. Heat treated it and a sliver or the outer layer came away. It was paper thin and didn't like the quench. One side is *perfect*, the other had too much removed yesterday due to a single hammer blow that left a mark too deep. As I ground it to remove the blow, the outer layer became too thin

Perfect side (it's had a quick etch to show the layer)



Bad side (there are loads of grind marks in these pics as it's just a rough finish)



So close...

 

[dyna-ti]

Fascinating to watch the pictures of each stage emerge, you should be on you tube

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Kind words, thanks Bud.

I'm putting a handle on this blade anyway, the flaw is only aesthetic. Worst case, i'll have (another) kitchen knife

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Finished it today, it's up to the potential new owner if they want this one (with the aesthetic flaws) or wait for mk2.

3 layers of steel forge welded together (1070 core, 15N20 outer layers) total length 9.5" with a 5" blade. Coffee stained Oak handle with Brass pins.

 

[Retro Spud]

I like that a lot - reminds me a Masamune Katana with those nioi

Sorry for not keeping up (perhaps just looking at the pics rather than focusing on the words .... ) what’s the little house inprint for

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

I like that a lot - reminds me a Masamune Katana with those nioi

Sorry for not keeping up (perhaps just looking at the pics rather than focusing on the words .... ) what’s the little house inprint for

Hey Spudly. A Nioi (Hamon) does look similar, but it's not something I've tried yet as it doesn't show in all steels. They look amazing when done well.

The 'doghouse' is just my makers mark/touchmark

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

What do you do when you have a few days off, and can't go out to play? Make an Octopus, obviously.





He's made of some 2" gas pipe and rebar.

Some other pieces I've been working on lately.

A mini Santoku for the wife. Obviously not yet finished, I tend to do the forging when the weathers cold and handles when it's a bit warmer... my garage is cold...
15n20/1080 Sanmai, with a copper bolster and Sapele handle.




And a nice little damascus bushcraft knife (4" blade). About 24 layers of 15n20/1080 in a ladder pattern.




undecided on the handle for this one at the moment.

 

[freddok]

Gorgeous work !!! Congratulations !! I'm in love with the octopus...

 

[dyna-ti]

Mount the octopus on a long pole with a base to make it stand up securely and use it as a coat stand

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Gorgeous work !!! Congratulations !! I'm in love with the octopus...

Mount the octopus on a long pole with a base to make it stand up securely and use it as a coat stand

Thanks Guys. The octopus will be getting a fish friend in time... The coat stand is a nice Idea, but there was another plan for him