Touzai Fusion Tanto

[DaveJ]

Here's some footage from several recent projects documenting the steps and sounds involved at many stages of the hundred-plus hour process, some extended and some previously unreleased clips, some from Japan and some from Canada, photos of the finished works appear at the end of the video.

 

larger size here: islandblacksmith.ca/2015/12/sounds-of-the-workshop-tanto-overview/
also on youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=pFmuIAZjhb0

[Wesley Alberson]

I had no idea that that tanto was so thick! Also, is it possible to put doors on the sides of the oil barrels so you don't have to disassemble it for each batch? I've been considering making some charcoal because loblolly pine is so plentiful here in NC

[deker]

Dave,

 

Simply wonderful work and presentation of the process. The concept of this project as well as the execution captures an inspiring fusion of style and technique. I always find myself jealous of you folks who have the time, expertise, and patience to conquor builds of this type with traditional methods. After seeing this I find myself wondering what the Japanese smith would do with a description of an American Bowie knife to work from, with the large, wide blade, large guard and clipped point. In the hands of most people I'd bet that the fusion would be caricature indeed, but somehow I think you would manage to capture the somewhat brutish elements of a Western Bowie in a Japanese style that would be quite complimentary.

 

Very nice work. Thank you for sharing.

[Jan Ysselstein]

Dave,

Just amazing work and concept. I really like your understanding of what a knife maker might want to see , that is not a common trait ( a natural teacher). Please put me on the list of those interested in buying your book or DVD or whatever format.....it will be worth it's weight in Tamahagane. Thank you!

 

I think it would be a shame if your wonderful tutorials were not used here by the readers..in 2016 I hope to connect with some of the iron making enthusiasts and create a post linking to these tutorials.

 

Deker,

Your question may be partially answered in this book, this is actually a catalogue of blades and makers and prices.

 

 

Some of the smiths have adapted the designs very well.

 

Jan

ISBN 978-1-932897-36-4

Edited December 30, 2015 by Jan Ysselstein

[bruce]

love it very nice peace

[DaveJ]

@deker, i think stuart branson has come from that angle somewhat with his arashi no umi piece: bladesmithsforum.com/index.php?showtopic=30883 ...and the patience isn't natural, it comes from sticking with the hard stuff until it finally works...life is busy but gotta do the best we can with what we have...i threw out the tv and got an anvil ^___^

@jan, thank you for the encouragement, it is something planned for the future, hopefully sooner rather than later! ...and that looks like an interesting book!

the next islandblacksmith quarterly newsletter is coming out in a day or so...for those who are interested in email updates, knifemaking tips, and inside info, here is the sign up: http://eepurl.com/LPNqr (via mailchimp)

[update] sent out this morning, if you missed it read online here and sign up for the next one: islandblacksmith quarterly archive

Edited January 3, 2016 by DaveJ

[Kenneth Mauldin]

This is sexy on so many levels lol

[jdsmith02115]

Pin this post!

[Alan Longmire]

I beat you to it a long time ago, JD! Dave's work is an inspiration.

[charles wu]

It's Great. I really like the traditional way you make on the Sekigane and the shaping the Kojiri also. Thank you for the sharing.

And when i saw it, i really want to chisel something on the Kojiri.

[JonLewis]

That is beautiful!