The Material Advantage Student Chapter of Texas A&M University earned the Excellence in Engineering award at The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society 2024 Bladesmithing Competition in Orlando, Florida. This bladesmithing event is renowned for its rigorous testing of materials engineering and craftsmanship.
The Aggiebladeworks team crafted a replica of the M1 bayonet, paying homage to James Earl Rudder, a distinguished World War II hero and the 16th president of Texas A&M University. This blade, forged from AISI 8670 steel for enhanced toughness and durability, underwent a meticulous creation process, including forging, grinding, and a series of heat treatments to achieve optimal hardness and toughness. Finally, the blade was engineered with a custom locking mechanism to be affixed to an M1 Garand Rifle.
The 12th Blade team crafted the "Modernized Khanda," blending the heritage of the traditional Sikh blade with the spirit of Texas A&M's 12th Man. This endeavor, led by Sara West, employed "Voodoo Damascus” (pattern welded) steel by melding three different steel alloys together, yielding a blade with distinct heterogeneity, which resulted in a beautiful yet functional blade.
The success of both teams highlights the chapter's ability to blend technical skill with historical narrative. These projects were advised by Dr. Brady Butler and Dr. Ankit Srivastava, and teams received training and artisanal support from Cowboy Szymanski of Phenix Knives. Financial support was provided by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, with contributions from Nucor Steel and Gerdau Steel.
We extend our congratulations to the Aggiebladeworks and 12th Blade teams for their achievements and thank our sponsors and advisors for their support.
About Texas A&M University's Material Advantage Student Chapter
The Material Advantage Student Chapter at Texas A&M University is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and experience of materials science and engineering students through activities, competitions, and professional development opportunities. Our commitment to excellence in education, research, and practical application of materials science principles empowers our students to make significant contributions to the field and society.