Fast means going slowly without interruption. - Japanese proverb. 改善 Kaizen
Wooden Katana
- Thread starter Kevin
- Start date
I thought the proverb was "man who stand on toilet high on pot"...
I'm not sure I know what cheats are anymore, now, after well over 45 years at it. At one point in my life I had a very clear vision and understanding of what that kind of thinking was about until when in Paris I saw one of Michaelangelo's "Prisoners" (the purposely unfinished works that depicted bond slaves). I was marveling at how incredible the craftsmanship was throughout the piece, when around the back, where the figure would have been separated from the block, I saw a curving, sweeping line that was made from very small drill holes equally spaced that defined an area that presumably would have been cut away. I was shocked that this"cheat" was employed - a technique that went counter to my expectations of sculpting a certain way. I thought about that for a long time and came to understand about David Pye's idea of the craftsmanship of certainty vs the craftsmanship of risk. The holes were drilled for the sake of certainty, for the ability to surely and carefully attain a particular difficult line without risking the sculpture and potentially cracking or breaking an area that might have had problems with how the form was working with the grain. It was then I understood that his artistry was anchored by incredible craftsmanship or choice and necessity.
Sometimes the right path in doing something is simply the one which just takes one to the destination. Take the expected path and it sometimes becomes easy to get lost in the woods. Craftsmanship has as its basis after all, the essential aspect of invention, which fosters innovation. The mark of a true craftsman is the one who can make good his mistakes. The mark of the master is the one who foresees the mistake and invents the tool to avoid it.
Me too with moving into a new house, I can't find half, hell more than half, of my things! LOL
hey all.......you know that nothing is written in stone here about this calendar thing.....I know we had originally went with the 15th deadline, but we also talked about having 12 months and then 15 and then front and back and 6 more months...so...LOL...who cares about a deadline? It is gonna be a 2017 calendar anyhow....
Have you looked into how long it takes to have them made?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #67
Now I understand why Habaki is crucial . . . . that's my next step.
You can see how I screwed up my 2 attempts to carve the Tsuba according to the blade, and that's what I was being anal about. Third time was the charm. I might pull this off yet.
Habaki, I had to look that up.
I'm loving this build Kevin. While I am pleased with my knife, I think it would have been very cool to make one of these. I like a challenge, and I see this as a good one. And Kudos to you.
I'm loving this build Kevin. While I am pleased with my knife, I think it would have been very cool to make one of these. I like a challenge, and I see this as a good one. And Kudos to you.
Hey, even if you never get it done, you're braver than me. I didn't have the sack to try it.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #70
Although I'm no master, I have preached that very philosophy right here more than once. But I seem to be able to preach easier than I practice. Thanks for the reminder.
No deadlines will change for me. Mine will be submitted on time ready or not.
I haven't ye will do that today
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #74
Well, now that you're approaching completion, I might as well ask. Does a sword even qualify for a knife calendar?
is it wooden? Does it have a sharp edge? is length an issue? Not with me..... I tried to contact Vista through chat but got a dummy...going to call them after I hear from Teknatool this morning, hopefully, they claim I am first on the list today...LOL
Yea, that always is the case. they just are there to make a sale not answer questions. even though they say they are....calling and talking to them direct is best.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #77
I won't have time to get the saya made or the tsuka wrapped, but scabbards weren't required and not all Samurai preferred a wrapped tsuka. Also wanted to make a fancier tsuba with a ying-yang carved into it just don't have time. The tsuba is 2-tone hormingo with a nice dark line separating the colors. First coat of tru oil on it. Try to get some good pics by tomorrow gotta finish shredding a pasture before the rains come in . . . .
That's a fine looking sword Kevin! Tony
That is is really good looking Katana, Kevin. I really love it!!
Kevin with your Katana we will have the 12 pics for the Calendar....