December 10, 201114 yr It's my understanding that the clay hardening process used in making a katana is what causes the "warp" of the curved blade. Seeing cheap laser/acid etched hamon on "ninja swords" all my life leads me to ask the question is this possible. I'm not to a point in this craft to attempt forging a sword. I'm simply doing my research.
December 11, 201114 yr differential hardening on a strait blade is doable but a little tricky. things that can help are :- a little reverse bevel grind to the rear edge of the blade , leaving the back of the blade un clayed so that it hardens as well leaving the core soft. I have had good luck quenching in fast oil and then immediately hammering the reverse sori out whilst the blade is still in the meta stable austenite state.
December 11, 201114 yr Author differential hardening on a strait blade is doable but a little tricky. things that can help are :- a little reverse bevel grind to the rear edge of the blade , leaving the back of the blade un clayed so that it hardens as well leaving the core soft. I have had good luck quenching in fast oil and then immediately hammering the reverse sori out whilst the blade is still in the meta stable austenite state. Thanks for the reply. Yeah that sounds tricky considering my skill level. I'm not saying this would be easier but doing a San Mai construction and etch it like Damascus would give it a hamon-like appearance, right?
December 11, 201114 yr Author that depends on the base/acid used and the steels Thanks Steve. I'll research that.
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