Took a risk this evening. Hamon pic added

[tomsm44]

Well, I've been wanting to try to get a hamon on a knife for a while and finally took the plunge.  I've been reading a lot online about the process and as with most things, everybody seems to do it differently.  I've been using mainly 1084 and 1075 up to now quenched in warm veg oil with good results, but one thing that most people seem to agree on is that it's very hard to get a decent hamon with veg oil.  There is a healthy debate over using a faster oil like Parks to get a good hamon vs water or brine for an even faster quench but a greater risk of cracks.  Since this is a hobby for me, I didn't want to drop the money on the oil just to try something that I may decide is too much trouble anyway.  So I went with water.  I'm working on a 1075 Bowie with a fairly narrow blade about 9" or so long.  It's for no one in particular so if I ruin it, I'm only out a little of my goofing off time and will have learned something in the process.  I coated the spine of the blade and part of the sides with a high temp clay yesterday and then did my HT this evening.  I didn't hear/feel a ping when I quenched and a file test showed the edge to be hardened.  It's in the oven for its first temper cycle as we speak.  I didn't think to get any pictures along the way, but as long as there isn't a crack, I'll get a picture of the finished knife up, successful hamon or not.

Matt Toms

[D.Ellis]

Good luck Matt. Water and brine quenches can be exciting. I look forward to the resulting pics.
Darcy  

[Alexander13]

Good luck I hope it works out for you.  Since I haven't had much shop time lately to make, I've been doing a lot of research on water quenching knives as well. I'm hoping to try a few in the near future.  I'll be very interested to hear and see how it works out for you.
Joel

[Steve Nuckels]

Matt, it is an interesting process and as you are finding, many ways to proceed.  I found this interesting and helpful.  I have had good results, I remove the oxides with metal polish.

This is by Nick Wheeler

Here is a link

 

Steve
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Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Museum & Foundation
ABS AP

[tomsm44]

I got one side of my bowie up to 400 grit after church this afternoon.  I could see a little activity going on so I decided to try a quick etch just for fun.       (Patience is not one of my strengths)  Here's the results.  It's not as active as I'd hoped, but from what I've heard, the fact that I got anything at all on my first try is an accomplishment.  One issue that I see is that it looks like about 3/4" or so of the back end of the edge isn't fully hardened.       I'm going to accept it like it is and try to learn from it.  I have a lot of rubbing left, but I'll try to get it polished on up to 800-1000 grit or so this week and then move on to the handle.  Might take me a while to finish this one as I have a lot going on this month, but I'll get it up eventually.  

 

[Steve Nuckels]

Matt, I think you will be pleased with your results!
I should have qualified my post by also saying the technique Nick outlines just brings out the activity, I'm sure you figured that after watching the video.

I have limited experience,  I have used Sanitite cement and I have just heated up the edge with a torch and quenched.  Either way I tend to like the vinegar etch vs. the ferric as it exposes he the white looking cloud like boarder of the transition areas better for me.

Good luck

Steve
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Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Museum & Foundation
ABS AP