Roger Keagle

Yep, some more food for thought, again, thanks for the input guys ! For one thing, I know the finish is NOT crinkle paint ! The example I showed is at least 100 years old, and more than likly older...I am not any expert in such. Saw some older Japanese tools at a show in Melbourne and they really impressed me...the surfase gave a good grip besides looking good, and contrasted well with the highly polished cutting surface. I noted a harmon line where the edge had been tempered so perhaps the method suggested by
Skumkriv might be close to what I am seeking. I use a coal forge so scale is not a problem, sweep up heaps of it after every firing..

SMILING....Trust Tai Goo to invent a wacker...this also has merit, and perhaps is combined with other things could get the desired result...guess you guys know what I will be doing on the next few cool days here in Oz (Thats short for Australia)

Found a fair shot of an old plane blade with the surface I an trying to make...


Japanese woodworking plane Tsunesaburo

First I know it is noting like case hardening, and I have done that. The surface is disrupted like it had been selectivly been burned away...still trying to find a good pic, that will help I think.

I believe Tyler is on the right track, all of what I have learned so far seems to point in this direction. Not sure is we can do the surface using Western alloys of steel...does any one know more ?
THis has been a great help so far, I will try and find a pic for example.

I have a question, does any one kow how to do "Popcorn surface" as seen on many Japanese tools ?

Hummm, a quote off a watertank, how very Oz....

I am in Korumburra South Gippsland Victoria, you ?

I agree, I have two presses, 15, and 60 ton...one is too weak for big stuff, and the other too slow for smaller work, the two stage pump is a great idea...now I have to sell a few knives and such to buy one, unless one turns up at my local dump (Which the "rat" allows me to do on the sly)

Here are a few of my latest...


Blade is 154 layers of 15n20 and Nickel plated 1084, Iron guard and Sambar Stag Handle.



Blade 52100 outer race of a roller bearing from a D9 Cat Iron trim and Australian Blackwood handle.




Blade, 15n20 and strapping steel, mixed with some L6...brass guard and leather, brass, and Smabar Stag handle.

Working on a few just now, and will have some ready to show soon...
Sorry to use Photonet to upload, but do not have an other URL site just yet.

Edit: Roger, your images can be placed in the IForgeIron Gallery and displayed in the Forum as shown.

Hello, new to this and hope I have pushed all the right buttons...
Work in Oz Australia, in a quiet town out back, have been making knives since I can remember...well over 50 years now...have taught myself to engrave, forge weld and such...still learning every day !