Hand Forged Japanese Tanto and The Peg-Legged Blacksmith

I haven't posted any updates on here lately because I've developed this horrible habit of starting a project, and then starting 4 more and not finishing any of them. And of course work has been busy, but who's occupation isn't time consuming on and off the clock?

When I do find some spare time and work up the gumption to head out to the shop and work, I've been working on a project that is near and dear to my heart. I believe I've mentioned this project before, and where I got the inspiration from. If not, refer back to this post. I really  feel I've made some serious progress on this project. I know, I know, it really doesn't seem like it when compared to the photo on the right. So far, I've gotten most of the scale off, shaped the general curvature of the blade, and the grooves for the hibaki started. I've also got the full length bevel started, but you can't really tell from these photos.

I'm super excited about this project, mainly because I'm using no power tools at all.  All of the initial shaping was done not with a gas forge like usual, but with a coal forge, 70lb anvil, and the hammer that our family blacksmith used on our farm close to 70 years ago. Fun little side tangent, my grandpa says our blacksmith, Lee Vincent, who despite his peg leg was the strongest man he's ever met in his life, even to this day. My grandfather, whom I consider to be one of the strongest people I've ever met (physically and emotionally) has undeniably met some strong people through the war and all other aspects of life he's seen. Our blacksmith evidently used that 4lb hammer and another that my grandfather said "I don't see how the hell anyone could swing that without two hands!"

I'm also utilizing another old style technique for this project. One that's slow, tedious, and exhausting but much finer and easier to control. Many of you who may be reading this have probably heard of draw-filing. Instead of using your typical cross filing with a metal file, one holds the file at the desired angle, and draws or pulls the file. This gives a totally different effect from cross filing. Here's what I learned:
- The file stays clean and doesn't get clogged with metal shavings.
- The metal shavings that this method does produce are like little razor blades and will stick in your skin and eat you alive. A leather apron and gloves are a MUST.
- This really helps keep things level, whether you're filing the tang, or the bevel! (see what I did there?)
- This technique really lets you get to close spots or angles and still take metal off without breaking your direction that you've been filing.

I wouldn't necessarily say this technique is slower, as it takes off just as much if not more metal than cross-filing. This method does require a bit more attention to detail, though. For me, this style is preferable, although I would thing they will both take the same amount of time. This will undoubtedly be the longest project yet, but I have no doubts that it will be the most fulfilling.