The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies In Steel [Hardcover]

Jim Hrisoulas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873646126 | ISBN-13: 978-0873646123 | Publication Date: March 1, 1991

This advanced study of steel reveals forging secrets that for centuries have been protected by guilds. Never-before-seen instructions, diagrams and photos explain the tricks behind using Japanese mokume gane, differential heat treating, power hammers, and other techniques to make kukris, wavy blades, spears and swords that bear the master's mark.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Hrisoulas is a master bladesmith specializing in medieval broadswords and daggers and Damascus pattern welding. He has almost 30 years of experience at the forge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (March 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873646126
• ISBN-13: 978-0873646123
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,574,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is an indispensable tool for the knifemaker., September 23, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies In Steel (Hardcover)

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

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy sequal to The Complete Bladesmith, December 8, 2005

By 

L. A. Kane (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies In Steel (Hardcover)

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

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies in Steel", November 29, 2011

By 

Fred H. Gerber - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies In Steel (Hardcover)

I purchased this text as a gift for my son. It was highly recommended by other reviewers and even though it was a bit pricey, it was well worth every penney. One reviewer did not like the black and white photos, designs, and drawings, but as an instructional text that contains a vast amount of Indepth detail regarding the process of working with steel at an advanced level, the lack of color photography made perfect sense. This is a beautifully designed text but it is not an artsy text persay. My son has spent several hours studying the text and has said he learns something new every time he reviews chapters that he has already read. I would highly recommend this text to anyone interested in the art of working with steel and learning all the finer points. Beginner and expert would find this text both an educational and an enjoyable read.
D.J. Gerber