Damascus Tanto with Frog Skin

Product Description for Damascus Tanto with Frog Skin

Maker: Jim Crowell, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $2,700.00
Item num: 111031
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 8.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.40 in.
Total length: 13.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.04 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.28 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.28 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.19 in.
Item weight: 12.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 15.8 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1085 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Nickel silver fittings
Handle: Wood wrapped in frog skin and burgundy leather
Sheath: Wood wrapped in frog skin and burgundy leather
Description: James Crowell began making knives in Mt. View, AR in 1980. He earned the distinction as a Master Bladesmith from the American Bladesmith Society in 1986 and was certified as the first, non-founding member. He became an instructor for the American Bladesmith Society that same year. Jim was inducted into the American Bladesmith Society Hall of Fame in 2016. He is a long time faculty member of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing at Texarkana College. His flawless work is regarded by many as among the best hand forged knives produced. He has won many awards including the first American Bladesmith Society Bill Moran Knife of the Year, the Blade Magazine Best Forged Knife, and was the winner of numerous American Bladesmith Society Cutting Competitions. This Japanese-inspired tanto was made by Jim approximately in 1985. Despite being 40 years old, it is in brand new condition and by all appearances, it could have been made yesterday!
The 8-1/2 inch blade was hand forged from Jim's own damascus, combining 1085 and 15N20 carbon steels to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. The high contrast pattern is immediately engaging and demands further attention. The blade is flat ground with a swedge traveling along the top of the blade. An iori (ridge) travels along the spine of the blade (mune). The habaki is antiqued, file textured copper. Jim's touchmark is engraved into the tang of the blade.
The handle is wrapped in frog skin. A traditional Japanese style wrap (tsuka ito) is done with burgundy toned leather. Following traditional techniques, a bamboo peg secures the handle to the blade. Nickel silver fittings are used throughout.
A saya is included that perfectly matches the handle. The wood core is wrapped in frog skin and a matching burgundy leather tsuka ito wrap. Nickel silver fittings finish the sheath.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days