TLDW #9 - Forging a Mountain Kotanto from a Harrow Tooth

**WARNING: This is the longer process version intended for serious students of knifemaking. Watch the TimeWarp here: https://youtu.be/IXvVUHmsnaA and the full build overview edit here: https://youtu.be/1VqXZgLwnRo

Hand forging a satoyama kotanto style blade from a reclaimed harrow tooth. This is part of a full build series for this knife.

More about the process of making this knife here: http://islandblacksmith.ca/2016/08/process-making-the-mountain-kotanto/

More about the project:

Satoyama are the managed forest areas that border the cultivated fields and the mountain wilds in Japan. Historically they provided soil nutrients, firewood, edible plants, mushrooms, fish, and game, and supported local industries such as farming, timber construction, and charcoal making. Balancing the interaction of wetlands, streams, forests, and fields is an important component of the satoyama landscape and allows for sustainable use of the rich resources they offer.

The Tools for Satoyama project is inspired by this mutually beneficial interaction between humans and the natural world, a robust way of life that sustained both for centuries. Among the goals of the project are contributing to the growing awareness of the satoyama concept, sustainable practices, thoughtful approaches to intentional living, and related historical learning.

The four styles of kotanto knives designed for the project are named for the four main areas found within the satoyama landscape: stream, field, forest, and mountain. In addition, the forest and mountain models also come in a full sized tanto configuration. Some of the core characteristics of the knives produced for this project are the reclaimed and natural source materials, use of traditional techniques, and a humble and simple style of carving and finishing.

A clay tempered blade hand forged in a charcoal fire, water quenched with clay, sharpened with waterstones, and finished simply and humbly in the age-old style of farming and foresting tools traditionally used in managing satoyama lands.

Read more about satoyama: http://islandblacksmith.ca/2016/03/tools-for-satoyama/

Design your own knife here: http://islandblacksmith.ca/design-your-own-knife-tools-for-satoyama/