This a new "tribal" style tanto that I just finished. It not a traditional tanto, but more of my interpretation.
I did this one in in 5160 and gave it an antiqued finish, and a browned guard. The handle is actually a full tang, but slightly stepped for the guard. It has a hemp underwrap and brown Tsuka Ito. Oal is 15.5", with a 10" blade.
All comments welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Man, you are rolling! I can't believe how far you have come in such a short time.  I really like the little details you add to each knife, like your maker's mark on the spine. You have a great eye for color and flow, too. Great looking blade!

Really nice!

I usually don't care for traditional Japanese or Asian style blades or modern tactical blades which often look to have Japanese influence.  I have to say that you got me with this one though.  Your choice of materials/colors/finishes work great together.  Well done.  

I have to agree with the other guys. This is an exceptional interpretation. I like the consideration to construction and design you showed. It looks great.

WOW, what a classic looking piece.....      

Very nice. In most cases I don't like modern interpretations of traditional styles, however this is an exception. You have continued to broaden your style and have nailed it on this one. In my oppinion this is one of your finest. Thanks for sharing it here.

Chris

Realy cool Ben.!
You just keep making knives I have to try and make. LOL  

Damn..... I see another Ben Knife in my future. Great Interpitation Ben.   Sutty

WOW.....          

Nice lines Ben, I like that.        

That's a beautiful blade. I see your only a touch south of me, you know I like to support local business's  every chance I get.

Thanks so much for the comments and kind words guys!
I recently ponied up and purchased a mill. It will allow me to do hidden tang knives more precisely and efficiently. Hopefully some folders in my future also.

I have only been building full tangs for that very reason.  I have a hidden tang started right now that'll be my first, but I have several other projects I need to finish before I work on it any more.  I'll be doing all of the fittings the old fashioned way; drilling, filing, and prolly with a little fit throwing       thrown in for added effect (no extra charge).  If I find that I like the overall result and want to do more hidden tangs, I'll be looking to get a mill in the future as well.

Nice,,,

Nice,,,Very impresive

Thanks for the kind words gents! Here are a couple pics of the finished leather. I tried to give it an antiqued look, to match knife.





The blade is pretty covered in oil in this pic.

I agree with everyone else here.
That's sweet and I've enjoyed your progress.
(Not sure how anyone can build a knife without a mill, so I applaud your upgrade!)
Did you use just store-bought twine for the hemp?
Any thoughts on preservation of the handle lay-up?
I could use some pointers.

Karl, the mill has already changed pretty much everything for me, in a good way!
The hemp I use is the kind you get from a craft store. I think they use it for making hemp jewelry. I would normally wrap it 2 layers thick, to make sure there are no gaps. You can also put pieces of leather under it if you want the handle to be thicker.
For sealer you can use epoxy, or what I like to use on my Japanese style knives, is Minwax wood hardener. It is the consistency of water and dries rock hard. I just keep saturating the handle using a small paint brush, until it is soaking wet. It leaves the natural look and feel and you don't get the globby look like you do with epoxy.
I do occasionally use jute twine on more user grade knives. You can Pm or email me if you have any other questions.
I hope this helps.

Ben I don't know how I missed this but it's very nice!