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piratecaptain — Azure Mist Tanto
Published: 2008-09-23 04:36:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 5983; Favourites: 83; Downloads: 0
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Description
At long last I'm finished with this!My goal was to create a highly accurate tanto, with all the bells and whistles, as well as experiment with some painting techniques. All I can say is I think I've put more work into this little thing than any katana I've done! Anyways, I won't bore you with all the details and whatnot, but I did want to point out a few highlights. First is my first time ever using menuki, which is that small charm in the wrapping. Also, this is the first time I've used an endcap, and therefore the first time I've used this endknot on the tsukamaki.
As for the painting, I tried working with the paint to create some effects. The first effort was the tsuba, where I used various shades of blue for the shading. And then I tried with the saya to create a ghostly portrait of a village hidden in the mountains shown on the tsuba. The saya designs were based on Japanese paintings. Overall, I tried to keep a unified design, and create a very peaceful, delicate feeling for it.
Well, thanks everyone for all the comments on the previews, I appreciate the feedback and it helps me tremendously. Please feel free to critique the final as well, I love to chat about design and the like. And if you see any flaws, by all means point them right out!
Specs.
All work (except menuki) is handcarved with absolutely no power tools, using a utility knife, chisel, and handsaws.
All pieces are made of white pine wood.
16" overall length
11" blade / 5" handle
Painted with acrylic paints
Menuki is sterling silver
Sori is 3/8"
Ito is 1/4" wide
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Comments: 65
well first i must say how impressed i am with your ability at wrapping the handle^^ overall, a very nice piece. great job!
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Thanks very much! I appreciate the kind words.
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Hmm, I'm just wondering one thing. How thick was the wood that you used for the endcap? Can it detach or did you glue it on and put the ribbon through it? I want to use this techniue for my secret katana I'm making for my 100th deviation.
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Well, I just glued it on. The cap is only about an 1/8" deep for the handle to fit in, and about 1/2" overall. I hope that makes sense!
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Yes, that does make sense. Thank you!~
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I am still amazed and humbled every time I see this.
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Thank you so much! I'm glad you appreciate it, makes all the work worth it!
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The next thing I have to learn is how to wrap like that, I have the tutorial I just have to find the time to sit down with it.
After I finish the Claymore I am going to do Saya's katana from Blood Plus. It's got a challenging blade. I think I will try that style of wrapping. and do a scabbard.
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Yeah, the wrap makes a big difference in the final product. I've actually only been doing the simple version as well, without the little paper triangles that are supposed to be stuck in the folds, and without a proper endknot. I'm still working on both of those. Good luck with Saya's sword!
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Hmm. The bar keeps rising. Why do I feel like I'm doing a limbo rather than the pole vault?
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I feel the same way myself! There are so many great artists, so I'm just trying to hold my own! For instance, I've still got a lot of work to do to match your detailed paintings on your work.
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I'm starting a new one. I'm going to one of the swords from Claymore. As for my paintings I did one called the Dragon Slayer that I never got a good picture of. It was my best. I have a picture of it somewhere I'm trying to find it. Speaking of best did you feel totally humbled by the take Katana? I told the owner I valued it at between 5000 to 10,000 dollars, and if I had it, I'd cut him a check now.
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Oi that katana is a monster. I was just so impressed that he kept the natural wood, which meant that any mistakes would be out in the open. I was also very inspired by it. I kind of want to make the same thing, but not only would it be unoriginal now, it isn't really my style either. And yeah, it would have quite the price tag on it.
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He told me his swords are priced at $300 to $400, if they're anything like that that's way too low.
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There is nothing for me to say, what I have not already said countless numbers of time in the past when commenting on your wonderous swordmaking
So I shall settle for the old classic
Though as always questions to one swordmaking to another ^^
1. So how did you make the end cap?
2. What brand of metallic paints do you use?
3. Are you going to update your handle wrapping tutorials?
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Thanks chioky! Alright, happy to help!
1. All I did was make a oval piece the size I needed, and then chisel out the space for the hilt to slide in. As for the gap for the ito, I used a hand drill to drill a hold the right size, and then used a coping saw blade to cut the rest of the gap.
2. I use a paint from Jo-Ann's Fabrics, which is a craft store here in the states. It is the Jo-Ann brand, so I'm not sure you could get the same stuff over there. But maybe you can, I'd google it.
3. Yes, I do plan to update my handle wrapping, and do a start to finish video tutorial on my sword process.
Hope that helps!
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lovely finish and well designed, i love the way you put a end cap on it, it looks really great.
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Thank you so much! I'm glad you like the endcap, I'm pretty proud of it.
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^^ you should be, its a great sword
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Simply ... amazing! Love the number of details on such a tiny object.
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Thanks so very much!
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Thanks so much for your kind words!
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I am going to steal this when I come up there. but i want to see the sword when I go up there.
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Haha, noooooo no stealy. I'll be sure to bring them both over though.
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Yay!! 
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You do some amazing work, I don't think I need to say anything else
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Thanks very much for your compliments! I appreciate them.
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Oh yes, I forgot to ask one thing about this sword. How'd you attach the menuki onto the handle?
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The menuki is just wrapped onto the handle. You can also slide them in after you've wrapped the handle, but I think this way keeps the wrap tighter.
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Thanks very much! Oh, and I think I've got a price worked out for you. I'll note you though. Thanks again!
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i got your note.
and again this Tanto kicks ash..,
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wow! I really love this!
Love all those finishing touches u gave it! U'll have so many details to look at.
Awesome dude! Keep it up!
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Thanks so much for your kind words! Haven't heard from you very often, good to see you again. Oh, and I saw your Helite project. Thats very cool stuff, but I'll comment on that for more details. Thanks again!
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