Miscellaneous

For those projects that aren't quite like the others.

Kiridashi Tsuka-Ito

Tsuka-Ito is the traditional wrapping of the handle of a Japanese Katana sword. I purchased this antique (was told 1600s based on the makers mark) hand-forged kiridashi on a trip to Japan. As this was a tool often caried by samurai and woodworkers alike, so I chose to do a traditional wrapping of the handle using real stingray skin (sageo) and gutted black paracord. Traditionally this would be silk or satin, but I favored more abrasion resistance.

Material: Japanese tamahagane shirogami white steel

Stingray skin

550 paracord outer

Scrimshaw Knife Handle

I was given this knife with a plain bone handle along with a book on scrimshaw and some tools. I went with a classic fish theme.

Material: Bone

Black shoe polish

Railroad Spike Knife

My first attempt at forging a knife from a railroad spike. Pretty crude, but I like the form.

I found this spike on the sidewalk in Boston...

Material: Steel

A little bit of rust

A Distilling Apparatus

No comment.

Material: Stainless steel

PVC

Copper tubing

Land and Sea

This experimental, artistic piece combines live plants in two very different environments; desert and water. Recycled light bulbs serve as the containers.

Desert: Succulent

Sand

Water: Java moss

Fluval stratum

Antlers

My grandfather hunted the deer many decades ago. They were in two separate pieces so I created a mounting plaque out of wood and affixed them.

Material: Birch ply

Modeling clay

Black suede

Finish: Walnut stain

Polyurethane clear coat

iPad Dash Install

I installed an iPad on the dashboard of my mom's car in high school.

Material: Aluminum bracket

3M Dual Lock

Hanging Herb Garden

I used some jars and an old board to grow herbs outside of my Boston apartment.

Material: Jars

Old board

Chain