latest Chopper, with some process pics

[Lamey]

A few pics of the latest Chopper out of the shop.  Forged from W2, Black Walnut handle, blued guard, carbon fiber lanyard tubes.

Not a WIP, but got a few pics when forging.


 


 

 


Here is what it started as, W2 Round Bar-

 


After 2 heats under the LG 50

 

As forged, no grinding done at this stage-

 

Rough ground, ready for HT-

 

[Lin Rhea]

I see smart forging there. I'm noticing the plunge allowances and tang angle. Also the tip elevation is dead on.

[Lamey]

thanks Lin,  I try and do EVERYTHING I can in the forging process. Its the part of knifemaking I enjoy most, as I believe  you can relate.

[akaboomer]

Very nice Matt. The forged product looks impressive already.  Thanks for sharing.

Chris

[Steve Nuckels]

Matt, that is crazy good!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
ABS

[D.Ellis]

Looking good.    
Someday I'm gonna have to try some W2 and see what  all the fuss is about.
Darcy

[Lamey]

thanks fellas,  and as far steels go, W2 is my absolute favourite.

[D.Ellis]

Originally posted by Lamey:
thanks fellas,  and as far steels go, W2 is my absolute favourite.

There are several other big name bladesmiths of the same opinion...must be a reason??...Aldo's out of W2 right now though    .
Darcy  :D

[Lamey]

Darcy there are a few reasons I really prefer W2.  The first is it really forges easily under the hammer, at a wide range of heats. Another is that it takes a very nice hamon if desired. Its also among the best balance of toughness/edge retention etc. in my experience.

I have a bunch of round bar W2, and while I like Aldos flat bar, I prefer the round even more.