Forged Hira Zukuri Katana

[John Smith]

Ok all this weather and everyone else at the forge has set the bug in me, so I have been forging and video taping my progress on a Hira Zukuri katana. Now I am not the best at video taping but I actually think this turned out better than I had expected.

And I know some of you will say hey he is forging into the black heat, nope just the lighting makes it look like I am but it is still red heat.

The blade is W-2 from Don Hanson ( I love this stuff Don ). It looks a little thick and it is, as is wide. The blade as I get near the mune machi will be just under 3/8" and right now the width between the mune machi and ha machi is 1 3/4" the total blade length is 32". I was not sure on my total demensions so I forged big and can file it down to the right size after forging. And sorry if it gets boring at some points but I like it.

All in All this has been fun my arm is killing me and I have used two bottles of propane so far. Here is the link to the first of 5 videos I did .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isoPU9qJS5s

Let me know if is sucks or you like it?

[Kurubushi Kamu]

Very nice work John and welcome to the forum. Its refreshing to see someone wet forging. With all that hammer work your arm should be strong enough to wield such a monster blade! I'm sure your video will bring all our resident makers out of the woodwork, looking forward to progress reports on this one. Thank You for sharing! KK

[John Smith]

My pleasure and I hope others will chime in on this project. And yes there will be lotsmore video showing the rough filing and prepping for heat treat, and then the polish and finish work.

And thanks for allowing me to join these forums.

[bobO]

Welcome john Smith (if that really is your name). The first parts where great! Can't wait to see the rest. Glad to have you here and Thanks for posting this!

[John Smith]

Well bobO you found me out, I figure it was a matter of time before some one found outmy real name is Quasimoto LOL. I plan to post more video as I shoot them. And thanks for making me feel welcome.

[Taygrd]

Welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you here. Thanks for posting the video and we look forward to more.

[John Smith]

Thanks guys

[Mako]

Great stuff...looking forward to the rest and welcome aboard. ;)

[Dotanuki]

Welcome aboard, I too, am looking forward to future posts. :ohyeah:

[Kurubushi Kamu]

Does anyone remember a bladesmith named Phil Hartsfield? He was the only maker I know of who was making D2 blades (swords) back in the early 90's. I believe Sly Stallone is a big fan and owns more than a few of his blades. Just thought I'd throw this out there as I've not seen D2 forged before, just stock removal (I need to get out more..!) Keeping a close eye on this thread...Thanks John! KK

[John Smith]

I have never heard of the gentleman. And One would be bloody crazy to try and forge a sword from D2. How would you keep it from hardening while you forged it since it is air hardened WOW

[John Smith]

Well I am done with the rough forging of the Hira Zukuri katana, and I must say I am happy with the results. Though the blade is about a 1/4 of an inch wider than I wanted, but I can remove steel and reforge the bevels. The blade itself, at the thickest point the mune machi is 5/16, and I will be making that a Itch thinner after the rough filing. But for now I need to get the width of the blade down to a manageable size as she is quite the beast and has some weight to her.

And the OVL is 32 inches with a nakasa of 27 inches. I hope

http://forums.dfoggknives.com/uploads/monthly_12_2008/post-20023-1229477996.jpg

http://forums.dfoggknives.com/uploads/monthly_12_2008/post-20023-1229478001.jpg


Let me know what you guys think so far.

[goose710]

Too cool!!!! keep us apprised!
da gooseman

[John Smith]

sure thing goose

[Taygrd]

Does anyone remember a bladesmith named Phil Hartsfield? He was the only maker I know of who was making D2 blades (swords) back in the early 90's.
I think Phil is still active, but pricey and a long, long waiting list. He makes some tough blades from what I understand.

Good looking blade John. Cannot wait to see the grind.

[wolfhound]

Welcome to the forum :SandS:

[John Smith]

Ok here is the video of the katana and my wakizashi freshout of the vinegar and getting ready to do some rough filing and sen work.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUnaZkOaYy4&fmt=18

let me know what you think