DIY Bladesmith

[shinobituazon]

Mabuhay!

Hello! I'm a bladesmith or "panday"(still learning the craft!), and like everyone here, I'm also a DIY. I got into this craft when I studied Kenjutsu(Samurai sword arts), then realized that I will never ever afford a real Katana, because it's soooo expensive. So, I figured I'll just do one myself. Then the addiction to bladesmithing began. Right now I'm just learning to make small knives, then maybe someday...my dream Katana. I learn everything from imported books, videos, internet, and a wonderful bladesmith's forum, which unfortunately has only 2 Pinoy members(most members are american, english and europeans).

I discovered that you have to be at least a jack of all trades to accomplish such a feat as building a shop with 4 walls and a roof. Since I never had shop class in high school, I tried to discover how to do stuff and use tools from the net, and asking around. Which led me to his wonderful forum...

Soon I'll be asking stuff about exotic woods for my knife handles, where to get them, and wood basics. Tools... lots of 'em tools.

And hopefully try to answer queries about steel, edged tools and knives.

I hope a "Panday" is welcome here.

[anluwagi]

Hi,
Do you sell knives? Can I see some samples? Preferably bowie or rambo knives.

Thanks

[2diy4]

Welcome Panday. I have always been fascinated by metallurgy and admire the work of the best pandays.

The best woods for hilts and handles will likely be old wood from old houses. We can point you in the right direction.

[bbn]

Hello Panday. I have always admired the craftsmanship that a bladesmith's must achieve to do what he does. Patience is certainly high on the list of which I unfortunately have very little of so I stay away from this. I do have an interest in metal casting, among other things, so if you need information on sourcing foundry materials I may be able to help.

[shinobituazon]

Hello gentlemen,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Sorry for the late reply, I've been quite busy with my day job, and learning my craft at the same time, so I haven't had time to visit this forum.

Anyway, I do plan to sell my blades, but I do not have finished samples to show yet. Most of the blades I've done we're practice pieces (but functional blades), and are not mounted yet.

Sir Anluwagi, if you want to commission me for a bowie or a "Rambo" knife, you can send me a PM at shinobituazon@yahoo.com so we can discuss designs, materials and pricing.

Involving the client in the design process is something I learned from my other forum-mates at the bladesmiths forum. This is a good practice that has worked for many of them.

I will surely make use of metal castings in the future for my knife furnitures. So I will need your help soon sir lncc63.

Glad I visited here again.

I'll make it a habit to visit here from now on.

Regards,

-shinobi