Making a Wooden Katana

I've got a few templates here for those of you who want to build your own.
www.dropbox.co...
Affiliate links to some new favorite things I consistently use in my shop:
This was my jump into spray finishing and it works like a champ, even for a newbie
DeVilbiss StartingLine Spray kit:
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Irwin 6" quick clamps: -- amzn.to/2NCxvLB
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1.3 Lead Mechanical Pencil: -- amzn.to/2QjRC28
Kuru Toga .5 Mechanical Pencil: -- amzn.to/3964LTc
A sharp card scraper takes burn marks off wood better than anything else
Crown Tools Burnisher:
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Denko Sekka Folding flush cut:
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These fit great underneath headphones or ear protection
Bolle Safety Glasses:
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[@srobart]

I think my grandfather would have LOVED this channel. He could make anything out of wood (although I never saw him make a sword). He even made a grandfather clock, from scratch, completely out of wood, that kept excellent time...all of the gears, hands, numerals and case were all made from wood, including the device he used to wind it. The pendulum had a chunk of lead in it, sunk into a piece of wood, as well, because he needed something heavier than wood to generate enough power to keep the clock running and turn the gears.

[@draegangobelet1048]

Impressive.

[@lilshady951]

My grandpa can make anything out of nothing.

[@petermurray42]

My grandpa can make nothing out of anything.

[@mrernseatthesnickers6839]

I can make a sandwich....🍞🧀🐖

[@aleemahmed8384]

That is simply amazing.

[@mattjohnston2]

I absolutely love how you include around the 9-minute mark where you made the mistake with the router, and explain your thought process. Almost everyone of us that works with wood has done that at least once. I think you keeping that in adds a level of humility. In a world where every video is edited and curated, you don't see the mistakes people make, and it creates this perception of infallibility.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ya, mistakes are a big part of my process for sure. Thanks!

[@554drago]

Geeks Wood Shop the easiest way to get to success is through failure. Great job on this video. If I had a wood shop I would definitely make myself a katana. I have a real one that I have used a could of times for practice (objects, not people) and haven’t used it in a while in slight fear I’ll chop off a limb. Which is why I’d want a wooden katana (bokken), to practice. But besides all that, this video was very entertaining to watch and Matt Johnston ^ was correct.

[@starhawke380]

To make a piece like that handle where the router channel lines up, just cut the piece longer, rout out a single channel, then cut that piece in half. When you fold it, the 2 pieces line up perfectly.

[@rockinHurley777]

@@starhawke380 this🤘🙏👆

[@arabcero101]

I've never heard a voice so boring. But he actually does a good job

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Haha, you aren't the first to say so... Turn down my volume and put on some good tunes. ;)

[@gacacg4703]

my favorite was the on with the dark edge, NICE

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks

[@bbrachman]

Your layering of different color woods to create the hamon is brilliant. Visually, it looks like a real Katana. Very nice work. You should be very proud of these. I want to make one but only have hand tools. I am sure I could do it but it would take a bit (much) longer.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks so much!

[@MakerCuisine]

Bruce Brachman, I have made one with only hand tools and yes it does take longer haha, although it is very rewarding when you get it done. I made my blade however out of wood and epoxy resin to create the hamon line

[@RedHawk25]

Routing the handle is just brilliant, good job.

[@play2win510]

I came from I Like To Make Stuff’s video... Anyone else?

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Haha, ya, you and a few others. Bob is awesome.

[@IshayabaKurone]

Here

[@masterdementer]

Yep me

[@gaiuslamers8055]

same here

[@srg.organa7291]

Here

[@triune_blades]

That blade collar you were trying to think of is called the habaki. Incredible job! I loved the final piece! Beautiful!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Good to know, thanks!

[@mudgem3742]

Outstanding. And you did it by hand -no CNC, that is the kind of thing 90% of woodworkers don't have. Well done and thank you.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Dude! Awesome! I didn't get a notification when this came out. Not sure why, but at least I got to see it. I like this sword video the best by far! Hope to see you Friday! I'm bringing Some Thor's Mallets for a give-away, you should bring this so we can see it!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks James, for whatever reason I also didn't see your comment as it was flagged. Hopefully will catch you at a meet-up soon.

[@Miscteroz]

They are really beautiful, not even as katana, just as wooden works, perfect.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks!

[@selinaargento5235]

So glad to finally see one that isn't 3/4" thick

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Agreed!

[@RoyDMorris]

I like the last one. I’ve been woodworking, albeit not very well, for the last ten years and I have wanted to make a samurai sword. Your video was fun to watch. Thanks!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks much! I hope you do get around to making one, or several!

[@silasstryder]

For the simulated hamon line I had an idea to make it easier for those less willing to freehand. If you make a spacer clamped to the blade with a pre-cut hamon line riding the wood base of the grinder as you cut into the blade that would make a precise look and consistency for each side. One spacer for each side with only one clamped at a time. Of course if you have a good idea what to do and have a steady hand like yourself clearly free hand works. However for the untrained or unconfident or those wanting to make multiple blades quickly and consistently a hamon line spacer you can perfect risk free before cutting into the blade would be helpful.

[@bradleysquires6789]

They all look great

[@gilmccomb8740]

I loved the main one in this video. The contrasting light dragon edge against the dark blade was classy. The entire construct was true art.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

That's very kind, definitely happy with the way they turned out, thanks.

[@spinakker14]

before watching the video: why the hell would anyone make a katana* out of wood? after watching the video: why don't more people make katanas out of wood?

[@spinakker14]

*actually, a wooden sword in the shape of a katana is called a bokken, and for example, it is used in aikido (I used it, too, a little). But these are made specifically for training purposes, while your version is more of a decorative piece, resembling more of a proper katana

[@anderssorenson9998]

Or conflate it with the European wooden practice swords and call it The Bastard Katana.

[@0rderSol]

@@spinakker14 I would love to see a bokken made from this process... given if it doesn't lose it's structural integrity. Those things can take a beating and you'll know within the first 10 minutes which is a real Bokken and one of those cheap flea-market Popsicle sticks.

[@mattivirta]

because i can made, and true, many fighting practice, aikido etc, many other uses woooden sword and knife and gun and many fake army because if training have safety and realistic, if you has training good and somebody go outside at street whit sword,axe,gun to robber you, you can destroy him fast becaus you has training, i has catck one men in street before police come, him has axe and want hit ewery peoples, i go to take axe off to him and safe peoples, simple if has treaining real wooden armed firs at in gym.

[@tomastrain1898]

Uuuh... Everybody uses bokken for training

[@zieweaver8142]

That hamon came out beautifully !

[@LeonKumotsuki]

Was That a JoJo's Reference?

[@marshall104]

That looks absolutely beautiful! Projects like these are the reason I want my own wood working shop.

[@Chefrabbitfoot]

Halfway through this video and have to say, I'm not only thoroughly impressed with your woodworking skill, but pleasantly surprised with how calming and easy to listen to your voice and cadence are. I'm subscribed and can't wait to dive into the rabbithole of your channel!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Well thanks, that's very kind of you. I hope you enjoy!

[@sansdecorum4600]

For holding something like the rounded handle surface, I like using a lump or two of clay or putty with a cling-wrap overlay. Press part into clay/cling-wrap and it stays put Plastic tends to cling well and keeps part clean.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ah, I can totally see that working, good tip, thanks.

[@geoffreythomas2022]

The sword with the dark hamon line is definitely my favorite.

[@martyncox3216]

Your voice is just great. Pah! to the petty critics. Respect to the man who creates!

[@hettyscetty9785]

I loved the fact that you had the two different wood colours, the reason this is amazing because traditional katana use two different types of metal that contrast.

[@bengray5013]

heather taylor traditional Japanese swords (nihonto) don’t use two types of metal as such, what they do is a folding technique which creates layers

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

DUDE!! First off, this wooden katana is just gorgeous! But, combining the different species of wood for dark/light variation, then using the round-over bit to create the look of a hamon along the edge is sheer genius! Very well done, sir!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks Mr Doctor sir! I was definitely thrilled out how well it turned out, this being a bit of an experiment.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Geeks Wood Shop you are most welcome, sir! Jeez, all of your projects I'm finding are really very cool. Thanks again!

[@frankknox9127]

That sword looks like a Wakazashi. Very nice.

[@aleksei462]

Great work. I don't even know how did you manage to have enough creativity to create three different blades. Keep up the good work! Thank you!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks!

[@ajfam871]

Wow this is nice. My son has been wanting me to make him one. And will definitely be coming back to these. I dont have all these tools and equipment but will give it a shot. I wont be laminating any wood. Just using solid pieces.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Awesome, no lamination needed of course. So fun to make these for our kids.

[@heathnelson]

Great job. The hamon turned out great. That's the most beautiful part of the swords.

[@Rassp2]

Next time you do this sign the tang and then slide it into the handle drill a hole through it near the top and push a small wooden dowel through it to hold it in place. That way you can always take the handle off like a real Katana to show your signature on it. This sword looks great btw. I just tried to make one with my kid last night and it turned into a rapier lol. I am going to try again today.

[@user-gq9gm2en4g]

The katana is super awesome and his voice over helps me a lot to sleep

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

For scroll work, I cover the piece in blue tape, then adhere the template to the tape. You can leave that on for days, and it still comes right off of the piece, no stickiness, no problem! 👍

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Great tip, I'll have to try that. Thanks

[@MatthewKress]

That is a great tip.

[@selinaargento5235]

When making a scabbard I would do a couple of pieces of leather on the wood afterwards, I would wrap the whole piece with leather and stitch it in the back side. Then you would have a nice leather wrapped scabbard with raised highlights

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@mikeseewooddesigns]

Just a fantastic project! I was trying to research to to do some of these steps, and you nailed them all. I will be using this video for reference in the future when I want to build mine. I really like the way you used the curved bit to get the wave in the blade.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks Mike, very kind of you. I hope you do get around to building one, if so, would love to see it.

[@griffinpanta1499]

Once we make this, I can finally cosplay ghost of tsushima

[@DoomKnight13]

And I can finally cosplay Vergil

[@baojoestar4111]

@@DoomKnight13 I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROCHINGGGGGGGGG

[@DoomKnight13]

@@baojoestar4111 PROVOKING BLACK CLOUDS IN ISOLATION!!!! I AM RECLAIMER OF MY NAAAAAAAMMMMEEEEE

[@baojoestar4111]

@@DoomKnight13 BORN IN FLAMES!! I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!!

[@DoomKnight13]

@@baojoestar4111 MY FAMILY'S CREST IS DEMON OF DEATH!! FORSAKEN I AM AWAKEN!!!!

[@kenglee88]

I love how it looks and the finish on it.

[@micheladmont429]

Very very beautiful work. Thank you for this demonstration.

[@flamerollerx01]

I like the first one best. Nice build man.

[@opasworkshop8373]

Nice job my friend that Katana turned out great.

[@DamienNightmarish]

You should expose it on a museum. Fantastic!

[@NightmaRReify]

That video is amazingly calming. Great work!

[@masterdementer]

Your style of making was also great, the edge type on the katana has a very unique style.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks much

[@C3DPropShop]

Dude, this is beautiful. The straight hamon speaks to me, but the traditional ones are great too! I regret that it took me this long to watch this video.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ah, thanks buddy. I'm also a sucker for both versions.

[@roncabais4362]

i dont have the vocabulary of words to say how good this video making katana out of wood.. simply the very best so far. talented and briliant.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks, that's really kind of you.

[@roynelson7890]

I don’t usually comment on videos but this art deserves it. Great job that’s amazing

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@Jrez]

Love how you did the grind! My favorites are the first and third.

[@kabraken]

i like the straight hamon ,i like the ones with a dark blade and light hamon.

[@richardwcz0]

Both of the swords were done beautifully grasshopper! Do one without power tools and then you will be a samurai!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Haha, that is true, the hand tool folks are artists indeed. I do love my power tools though. Thanks much!

[@emiejimenez1759]

i like the finished touch one

[@LidianAldaht]

Now you should make a custom sword rack display for it 👍

[@ChozoSR388]

See, _THIS_ is why I love _bokuto_ ; they're so artistic. They're practice swords, sure, but they're an art form in their own right.

[@DouglasLeavitt]

Great job. I enjoyed the background music, which I rarely ever say about a youtube video.

[@camdenyinger6396]

I don’t like asmr but this whole thing is so calming for me.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

That's a new comparison for me, and one I'll gladly take. Thanks!

[@taewae]

this is so gorgeous!! i love that it keeps the beauty of a katana, but its not as menacing... it's like a peacekeeping sword!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Many thanks!

[@Mungle84884]

You absolutely deserve more views and more subscribers. Everything you make is just gorgeous, I'm going to share this with my friends and hopefully get a few more views. It's a drop in the ocean, but it's deserved.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks! That's kind of you to say.

[@asanoen1777]

All of them were beautifully finished..

[@kohtay2044]

Awesome katana dude. Final build was my fav but all the ones shown are equally bad ass lol. Love that rough jagged edge look you added to simulate the real blade. Sick.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks man, definitely fun to see how the different wood contrasts turn out.

[@timmetroch7365]

I love this katana

[@mikeday8295]

Great and apart from anything else a nice subtle choice of music, unlike so many vids. My choice the one you showed, great handle!!

[@mrhypnagogia]

Looks incredible dude

[@GoncaloQuinas]

Very amazing work for me the winning is your creativity. Big like

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thank you, it's fun trying to make something in an interesting way.

[@cifer0004]

Now I have to make a wood katana collection

[@trumpdid7117]

Absolutly amaziing! Great job!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks a lot!

[@ScottHaun]

Who came from bobs video?

[@liamwolfe988]

I'm Liam and I like to watch Bob make stuff :)

[@DanielMores]

I did :)

[@Prod.Nembutai]

Scott Haun i did

[@murishani047]

Both swords are great!

[@syazwanhalim750]

Scott Haun me to

[@lycorine6646]

This is cool! Especially the one with the staight hamon. Really like it. Keep it up👍

[@thesashank]

Those looks gorgeous, good job

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thank you!

[@sammyhajeer7293]

You can use painter's tape instead of spray adhesive and glue your patterns to the tape. they peal off real easily.

[@askaliu2943]

love how you did the hamon! such an great idea, never seen anyone that tried to do it on a wooden blade, great job!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks much, I was also pleasantly surprised and happy with the results.

[@askaliu2943]

@@GeeksWoodShop keep up the good work man :D and happy new year

[@karlositoacosta3670]

Nice toy.. Is what u say, wood work is awesome.. Well done

[@R1S3_0F_D3ATH]

#3 was my favorite one

[@mZwerghamster]

I loke the straight edge one the best. They all look awesome, but it has to be my favorite^^

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ya, I agree, very happy with both results. Thanks!

[@smilesaredaggers3088]

I liked the one with the dark edge on the sharp side, it looked like blood almost in certain shots

[@WASCHlaberschtU]

Really awesome work, love all of them haha. You could actually do so many nice patterns on the blade and edge even with this holy moly I like it

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks

[@rockerbenjammin7185]

Incredibly done!

[@9876Kalel]

I love the black walnut stain on the handle; it really pops! Though; I think you should’ve stained the diamonds with a red cedar stain, and then add a clear coat to it; to give it a nice shine, and using a chisel; you could’ve created a hamone that way, and sand it down to make the hamone seem like it was etched into the blade as if it was really being forged by an swordsmith. Another thing that could’ve been done, to add a touch of flare; is to etch some kanji into the blade that says something like honor; integrity, courage. Or; you can use the kanji to etch into the sword, it’s name; like Benihime, which means crimson princess in Japanese....

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks, good suggestions. It would be fun to do more etching of sorts on the blade, perhaps in a future build!

[@9876Kalel]

Geeks Wood Shop no prob

[@Yusuf1187]

Pure art.

[@copitzkymichael3313]

Good display for a cigar case...or a cigar opener. :)

[@pranavkp4571]

I liked all three Katana

[@ncboyd]

Looks awesome 👌. I love my scroll saw. I use blue tape, then spray adhesive.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Ah, great thought, I'll have to try that.

[@jrysugarai9499]

Those are beautiful.Creative,Masterpiece harmless.

[@ehkruse1]

Great video! Those would look amazing on display.

[@MrBread07]

looks very good but one thing i would change for the handle I would swap where the colours are on the handle so where the grooves are would be more of a light handle with a dark inner colour so it would imitate more of a white silk grip look

[@aleemahmed8384]

This is awesome! I really liked the one with the inlay!

[@divyanshvig8156]

Really like the way you narrate the process. Great work man keep up .... 💪🏻

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks a ton!

[@saifshaikh2692]

I really Wanted a Katana That's why I searched for this video But I don't I'll be able to make this after seeing the equipments and machines he has used. But I really Loved it ✨👌🏻❤️

[@CertifiedCapper]

Wow, nice sword! but the guard for the band saw was left way too high.

[@keithlogan9501]

Superb, a true craftsman.

[@erinsmith7219]

simply beautiful work, I love the end products!

[@glennwhitt7375]

Beautiful !

[@shadowcatface]

Wow I love the final one!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks

[@Guinea-pigs-for-life]

All i can say is WOW THEIR AMAZING!!!!!

[@gefiroeleven2784]

My favorite was the sword with the straight edge.

[@MohamedKamal-or7zc]

ah I can add some pyrography decal on those awesome craft work...they will be epic.....well done GWS

[@RubiksGaming18749]

I really like the jagged one

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Sweet!

[@micksplays9920]

I wish i had one of that.. As a gift this christmas

[@Argimak]

That is absolutely incredible. I actually said that out loud when I finished the video. Very nice work, keep it up!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

Thanks!

[@pickypixels3098]

Got bought by someone who recommended your vid. You just earned a subscriber.

[@vincentleoni6334]

such a talented person

[@gilgameme5624]

Thank you soo much my teacher asked us to bring wooden swords but idk where to buy so i made one out of your method thank youu soo much

[@GeeksWoodShop]

That's awesome! Hope it works well.

[@General1Cal]

i was sent by Bob in i like to make stuff. :)