Small bush package

Here's a shorty I just finished up, 11 inches tip to butt. It's 1065 with and integral socket handle and guard, hemp and rattan wrappings with pinon rosin (smells great!) sealer, red iron oxide and tempera pigments. The scabbard is mahogany with rattan bridge wrap. The belt loop and button loop are braided hemp.

[Gene Chapman]

Primo as usual Tai.

[Raymond Richard]

Nice package! How's the clay quench going?

I have an order for a simple presentation piece. I'm still trying to decide whether to use clay for the quench line or not. I was thinking of combining the "crazy quench" with clay somehow.

[Lawrence Kemp]

Really nice Tai! I can't help but notice the blade shape changing more on some than others. I particularly like the edge shape on this one.

[Roger Gregory]

Originally posted by Misternatural?
I have an order for a simple presentation piece. I'm still trying to decide whether to use clay for the quench line or not. I was thinking of combining the "crazy quench" with clay somehow.

You mean some of those aren't presentation pieces?

I think you're getting some great results with the crazy quench, and since you got that camera we've all been treated to some good stuff.

Roger

[Gene Chapman]

Tai, ever thought about writing a book on your work, I think it would do well.

I'm thinking about writing a book about "The Yoga of Bladesmithing". Yoga means "Oneness". I began studying Yoga when I was 15 years old. Yoga is the oldest and most diverse system for mental, physical and spiritual health, like at least 5,000 years and is probably linked to stone age times. There are many paths of Yoga, it is a matter of personal preference. I am convinced that bladesmithing can be a valid path, with the right attitude, to Yoga, harmony with one's self and nature. One must learn to enjoy the work for the sake of the work itself and not the rewards or pay off at the end. Work done without anxiety is better than work done with anxiety. Any form of "work" can be Yoga. It is ballancing the body, mind and spirit,... the elements and to become one with Creation.

Here's a great site for an overview of Yoga. I have linked to the beginner's section, but be sure to click on the homepage as well. I believe in combining classic Yoga with bladesmithing for the best results. 0]

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogabeginnersguide.asp

Sounds crazy huh?... but I swear it's not!

Gene's right!

"All the elements are at my command."
"My body is no burden to me."
"I am as light as a feather."
"My spirit is one with the steel."

I'm 46 years young! Today is the first day of the rest of my birth!

... just share'n.