Japanese inspired. Blackwater Tanto WIP

D.Ellis · January 14, 2014, 01:18:00 AM

So it begins.

Building this for a fella I spent some time with on the Blackwater river last year. It will take a while, and I reserve the right to goof up several times(I hope not) :D
It will not be a traditional tanto, but I hope to capture the spirit of the style on my way to making a river themed knife.

Started with 7 layers of 1084 and 15n20. Getting hot here.

My photographer hit the wrong button, so missed the spark show during the first weld. I can't fire her, or I'll have to do the dishes myself :eek:

Welded 3 times to make sure it took, and drew it out, hot cut and folded to make 14 layers. Actually will look like 13 since the 2 layers of 1084 will become 1 thicker layer.

Here it is getting hot for the second weld.

Drawing it out more the handle came loose, so ended my progress for tonight. Good thing too, as my hands were getting tired from gripping the sledge hammer. To be continued............
Darcy

Over&Under · January 14, 2014, 08:14:00 AM

Lamey · January 14, 2014, 08:25:00 AM

fun!

Steve Nuckels · January 14, 2014, 10:32:00 PM

Fun indeed!

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

srtben · January 14, 2014, 10:38:00 PM

Can't wait to see more progress.

gudspelr · January 14, 2014, 11:26:00 PM

Awesome

.

Jeremy

akaboomer · January 15, 2014, 09:30:00 PM

I am tuned in. Looking forward to more.

Chris

Doug Campbell · January 16, 2014, 12:13:00 AM

D.Ellis · January 16, 2014, 12:33:00 AM

still need to weld the handle back on, but here's the chunk as it sits. I did a grind and check and the welds look good so far. Gonna be a few days before I get back to this one.

Darcy

Bobby Urban · January 16, 2014, 07:14:00 AM

Welds look good - are you using a press?

D.Ellis · January 16, 2014, 03:28:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Bobby Urban:
Welds look good - are you using a press?

Nope just my Armstrong power hammer

Darcy

tomsm44 · January 16, 2014, 08:01:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by D.Ellis:

QuoteOriginally posted by Bobby Urban:
Welds look good - are you using a press?
Nope just my Armstrong power hammer
Darcy [/b]

I need one of those armstrongs. Mine is a cheap knock off "armweak" power hammer. It overheats after just a few blows and rarely hits the same place twice.

D.Ellis · January 17, 2014, 12:15:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by tomsm44:

quote:
Originally posted by D.Ellis:

quote:
Originally posted by Bobby Urban:
Welds look good - are you using a press?
Nope just my Armstrong power hammer
Darcy

tomsm44 · January 17, 2014, 05:28:00 PM

Made in the USA indeed but the components are a mishmash of British, Irish, Scottish, German, and American Indian, with a few parts from random Scandinavian countries thrown in. To prove it, I have three kids; one with dark brown hair and brown eyes, one with blonde hair and green eyes, and one with red hair and blue eyes. Maybe the parts just don't match up just right.

D.Ellis · January 18, 2014, 03:00:00 AM

:D
Darcy

Bobby Urban · January 18, 2014, 07:49:00 AM

I stick with my press to set my welds the other one I have is Polish(mostly) My great, great grandparents name coming off the boat was Urbanoviche and I don't even know if I am spelling that correctly. What I do know is my Polish model gets a lot more cold shuts than the press do to inconsistent pressure in the weld process.

Darcy - get to working on that billet - I am interested in what it will become.

D.Ellis · January 19, 2014, 06:12:00 PM

Will get back to it soon. I just got the handle welded back on.
I was shooting in a 3d (indoor) shoot this weekend, and I have a few other things on the go. Including a late season doe draw that I need to try and get out for. Also a local bowyer built me a string follow bow blank, so I have a date to go and work on that in his shop this week.

Stay tuned.
Darcy

D.Ellis · January 21, 2014, 02:06:00 AM

A bit more progress tonight. Drew the bar out and hot cut most of the way thru. I was going to just fold it and weld it again, but I lack the confidence that the weld will turn out that way with no inclusions. So, I will let it cool, grind the surfaces to be welded clean and then flux, reheat, fold and weld. Here's a pic.

Darcy

Ibitengu · January 23, 2014, 12:32:00 PM

Fascinating process!!! Great work! Can't wait to see more.

bculberson · January 23, 2014, 05:07:00 PM

If any you guys every challenge Darcy to an arm wrestle.....
I suggest only trying left-handed!!