Historical Knifemaking: keep it simple, do it the hard way...

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Traditionally crafted knives for folks who wish they could take things home from museums.

Island Blacksmith - Winter 2017

In this issue: the only remaining available knife from the Culinary Project, an inside look at how a tanto can be disassembled into components, and the first photos of a traditional forge building project.

Please visit the website at islandblacksmith.ca, subscribe on Youtube, and follow us over on Instagram to see photos of work in progress, life on the island, and things that inspire.

Hon-Yaki Chef’s Knife

Presenting the only remaining available knife from the Culinary Knife Project. Hand forged from a verified Model T leaf spring with hon-yaki swordsmith style edge hardening.

After witnessing firsthand the toughness of French racing car components, Henry Ford was the first to develop and produce vanadium steel in North America, using various alloys of it for all parts of the Model T car.

Purchase this knife

Just One Bamboo Peg

A Japanese sword requires only a single bamboo peg to hold the entire assembly together. This design allows the blade to be removed for cleaning and polishing.

This video demonstrates the takedown and assembly of classical tanto style knives. Also some views of the finished work and a second/third time around with some additional information for clients.

Watch the video

Explore the process of building a traditional swordsmith forge.

Building a Traditional Swordsmith Forge

Japanese swordsmithing forges are purpose-built with certain design elements specific to the tasks involved in tanren and hizukuri. The swordsmith forge consists of a fuigo box bellows separated from the forge by a low wall, a firepot consisting of two parallel walls to contain the fire, and a charcoal reservoir where fresh charcoal is stored for use.

This work in progress discusses several of the features that are common to this type of construction and follows the process of crafting a traditional style swordsmith’s forge at a museum on Vancouver Island.

See the process in photos

Tools for Satoyama Project
from $700

Design a Knife

Custom Classical Tanto
from $2500

Design a Tanto

In the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith,
deep in a forest clearing,
away from the things of man,
there is a place where blades are born
of earth, and air, and fire, and water.

Island Blacksmith - Winter 2017

Hon-Yaki Chef’s Knife

Just One Bamboo Peg

Building a Traditional Swordsmith Forge

In the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, deep in a forest clearing, away from the things of man, there is a place where blades are born of earth, and air, and fire, and water.

In the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith,
deep in a forest clearing,
away from the things of man,
there is a place where blades are born
of earth, and air, and fire, and water.