( 2 reviews )
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( 4 of 5 found this review helpful ) Posted: Dec 8 2005
This book is a great sequel to The Complete Bladesmith, one of the best works I've read on the subject. It is well written and full of sound, practical information for the experienced bladesmith, including everything from laying out your shop (e.g., lighting, ventilation, tools) to building and using a forge to make battle-worthy blades and works of anachronistic art. Contents include essential information about steels and alloys, compounds and formulas, and weights and measures that you need to successfully complete projects, along with advanced forging techniques, power hammer applications, grinding, heat treating, tempering, hilts, metal and wood finishing, leatherworking and scabbard making, damascus steel (pattern-welding), sword making, spear making, and ax making. There are also excellent chapter on Japanese nonferrous alloys. Mr. Hrisoulas's blade crafting skills are first rate and his writing talents readily convey his knowledge and experience in a way that you can immediately apply to your own work. Very well done. Lawrence Kane Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
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( 68 of 69 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 24 1997
The second of three knifemaking books by Jim Hrisoulas. The first book "The Complete Bladesmith", is excellent for the beginner to intermediate forger. This second book is more in-depth, and written for those that need knowledge in the field that will not be found elsewhere. The book is for the intermediate student, to the advanced master of the blade. Again, Jim gives his expertise and knowledge openly to the practitioner, who wants to make knifemaking a serious part of life. For those interested in the production of swords, this book that has something to offer you. This volume covers all aspects of the bladesmithing trade, including the varied techniques and details which can forge, what would otherwise be a plain knife, into a working piece of art. Secrets, tips, tools, and techniques, are spelled out with the help of clear diagrams and explanations. Helpful compound tables, plus formulas for the manufacturing of flux, quenching, and etching mediums, are all included in this comrehensive volume. Jim also introduces the techniques for the creation of damascus steel in this volume. Those interested in the manufacture of damascus steel will also find a source of study, in Jims latest book, "The Pattern-Welded Blade", which is strictly for the advanced forger that desires to create damascus and mosaic patterens, and who has worked through Jims first two books. The books by Jim Hrisoulas are the best written in the field, and a most welcome addition to the forging knifemaker. Nels Nelson
