Hand forged kitchen knife

[KurtHuhn]

I recently started forging knives from scratch (I have been making them from flat stock for years), and this is the first one I've finished. It's about a 7 inch blade, and more than 12 inches overall. Hand forged from W1 steel, a water hardening steel, but I was too chicken to quench in anything but oil. The handle is cocobolo, and the bolster is ebony with a copper accent. This is the first time I've tried an octagon handle, and I'm mostly happy with it but I definitely learned some things for next time.

[Sasquatch]

So a dummy question, why is it sort of bluish?

[KurtHuhn]

Atmospheric scattering - I took the pics outside.

[Sasquatch]

Ahh. I was wondering because everything I know about tool-making, which is not much, would suggest that a blue temper would be absolutely awful for a knife.

[KurtHuhn]

Oh, for sure - good for springs, saw blades, and such, but not really for knives. Which is a shame because it's really beautiful.

[RickB]

Really cool stuff. I've always wanted to learn that, but I have a feeling I've about expended the good graces of the missus with regards to hobbies
And yep it definitely took a minute to realize it wasn't full of sparks and lasers. Regardless, the polish does really interesting and beautiful things with the light.

[Scap]

That's awesome.

Makes me want to say "it will keel" like Doug on Forged in Fire.

[KurtHuhn]

Thanks guys - I still have lots and lots to learn, like all my other hobbies. Maybe some day I'll be an expert in one of them.