-
Field & Stream
Both the Kirimaru Field Kotanto and the Sakura Stream Kotanto were made as a commemorative pair from the same piece of reclaimed 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel. The handles and scabbards were also cut from the same block of reclaimed wood, and even the silk storage bags were sewn from the same…
-
Kirimaru Rover Field Kotanto
A rover kotanto with a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, a small knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword, a simple wooden mounting accented with a detailed sword part. The subtle and rustic appearance of hammer marks on the blade…
-
Sakura Stream Kotanto
A rover kotanto with a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, a small knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword, a simple wooden mounting accented with a vintage sword part. The subtle and rustic appearance of hammer marks on the blade…
-
Rover Field Kotanto
The first completed rover kotanto of 2025, a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, an outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble style of farming and foresting tools of centuries ago. Satoyama…
-
The Beaded Buffalo Knife
This knife was a collaboration with Coastal Carvings artists Jeremy Humpherville (concept, design, assembly), Bert Tallman (inlay, silver smithing), and Brenda Dowedoff (beading). This piece is currently on display at Coastal Carvings Gallery for their 20th anniversary event from May 9-11, 2025. The collaboration will also be highlighted in the upcoming Season 2 of the…
-
Rover Mountain Tanto
A rover tanto with a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring carbon steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, a rustic knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword, a nihonto inspired mounting accented with parts reclaimed from antique swords. The subtle and rustic appearance of hammer marks on…
-
Rover Mountain Kotanto
The first completed Rover kotanto, a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, an outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble style of farming and foresting tools of centuries ago. Satoyama are the…
-
Rover Mountain Survival
The core of this project is a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, a historical western style outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble aspect of farming and foresting tools of centuries…
-
Rover Mountain Skinner
The core of this project is a charcoal-forged 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, a historical western style outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble aspect of farming and foresting tools of centuries…
-
Rover Ken Nata
The inaugural-forged rover blade, charcoal-forged by hand from 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, an outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble aspect of farming and foresting tools of centuries ago. Satoyama are the…
-
Testing Land Rover Steel
A project initiated many years ago which has finally come to fruition. A part of the Islandrovers Adventure Co. project, this is the first kotanto forged from rover steel, 1965 Series 2a Land Rover leaf spring steel, to be specific. This blade was crafted as a test of the forging and hardening properties of the…
-
Photo Essay: Antique Koto Tanto in Edo Mountings
This tanto appears to be koto and may be around 450-550 years old (Warring States Era). Though this blade has some battle damage and is somewhat worn (“tired”) due to many polishes over the centuries, it can still be enjoyed as an interesting and very old sword. The tang is signed Kane_ (兼_) in an…
-
Pear Mountain Kotanto
This knife was forged from a piece of very special old steel and has been paired with part of a seventy year old pear tree and an existing leather sheath. The custom leather sheath was part of an estate sale and was hand crafted on Vancouver Island. Satoyama are the managed forest areas that border…
-
Brass Mountain Kotanto
The core of this project is a high carbon blade, charcoal-forged from reclaimed steel, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, an outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble style of farming and foresting tools of centuries ago. Satoyama are the managed forest…
-
Kominka Mountain Kotanto
The core of this project is a charcoal-forged blade, water quenched with clay and sharpened with waterstones, an outdoor knife that has the foundation of the Japanese sword but is finished in the simple and humble style of farming and foresting tools of centuries ago. Satoyama are the managed forest areas that border the cultivated…