A few pics of the latest Chopper out of the shop.  Forged from W2, Black Walnut handle, blued guard, carbon fiber lanyard tubes.

Not a WIP, but got a few pics when forging.










Here is what it started as, W2 Round Bar-




After 2 heats under the LG 50



As forged, no grinding done at this stage-



Rough ground, ready for HT-

I see smart forging there. I'm noticing the plunge allowances and tang angle. Also the tip elevation is dead on.

thanks Lin,  I try and do EVERYTHING I can in the forging process. Its the part of knifemaking I enjoy most, as I believe  you can relate.

Very nice Matt. The forged product looks impressive already.  Thanks for sharing.

Chris

Matt, that is crazy good!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
ABS

Looking good.    
Someday I'm gonna have to try some W2 and see what  all the fuss is about.
Darcy

thanks fellas,  and as far steels go, W2 is my absolute favourite.

QuoteOriginally posted by Lamey:
thanks fellas,  and as far steels go, W2 is my absolute favourite.

There are several other big name bladesmiths of the same opinion...must be a reason??...Aldo's out of W2 right now though    .
Darcy  :D

Darcy there are a few reasons I really prefer W2.  The first is it really forges easily under the hammer, at a wide range of heats. Another is that it takes a very nice hamon if desired. Its also among the best balance of toughness/edge retention etc. in my experience.

I have a bunch of round bar W2, and while I like Aldos flat bar, I prefer the round even more.