A Good Example of a Failed Hamon

mike deibert

mike deibert

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
378
In finishing up a blade a few weeks ago I was getting excited, as always, to see the hamon start to show itself. It always makes the hand sanding suddenly seem like fun! Very soon I came to realize that all that work was for not. The photography doesn't really show the crisp line and great contrast in the hamon but it does however show where the hamon didn't reach the entire length of the blade. My heart sank when I saw this because I was very excited about every aspect of this blade. What happened is that during the clay hardening process the blade got up to the correct temperature for MOST of the blade but the part closest to the choil did not get hot enough (critical temperature). Believe me, I am not going to let this happen again! I can't sell this knife. I almost didn't finish it but I decided it would be a great test blade to use and abuse. I just wanted to post this as an example of a process gone wrong for people who may be wanting to try clay hardening. Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake.





This lead me to another sad happening as I was forming the handle. The piece of ironwood that I had expoxied on had a hidden crack in it. Had the piece been sanded to 120 and not just 36 grit when I bought it I probably could have seen it. The roughness of the block hid the crack. Another lesson learned. Sure am glad this wasn't for a customer. Anyway, I got to experiment a little and decided to epoxy the piece (you can see the dark seam towards the tail of the handle) back in place and use three pins to secure it. I don't like the way it looks but I am going to use the heck out of this thing to see how the handle holds up.





Anyway, here is the completed piece. The upside is that I'll have a good reason to keep one of my knives!

 
I'd be happy to 'test' it for you Mike :)
 
I agree. I would "test the heck" out of that. On me belt, showing off to others.

Honestly. If you just posted that up, I would have been happy to heap praises. I would not have even been bothered by hamon stopping fraction of an inch from the ricasso. Just fine in my book!

I can't see the crack, and honestly, like the look of three extra pins at the end of the handle. Put that in a sheath, slap it on my belt, and I would prance around like a show pony with it!
 
Too bad about the bugaboos, 'cause the knife looks really nice otherwise.

Possibly my favorite part is the really clever way you labeled the first image!
 
Mike that sure does suck. I like the fix on the handle the pins give it some character. It's a sweet looking knife, it will be lots of fun run it through its paces. If you cant, just send it my way and I'll give it a work out..


Steve
 
Bummer Mike. I know the feeling. You sure have a nice user though. Really good looking knife despite the issues.
Brion
 
Just my opinion, but the hamon issue is a non issue. And your crack.....I can't see it from the pic. I know how you feel, tho. I've had that exact same thing happen to me...the hamon dropping off at the ricaso. Live and learn! Great job on the knife!!!!!
 
Unfortunate about the hamon Mike. I have started checking mine right after hardening, it saves some heartache down the road. Just a quick pass on the grinder after hardening, before tempering, will show that in the right light.
Sadly I have seen more than one knife for sale on the exchange with that issue. :eek:

It is a beautiful knife none the less. :thumbup:
 
i still love it... you should sell it as a blem. Plenty of us can't afford the amazing artwork that you folks produce but would love a chance to buy one with such a minor imperfection at a discount
 
Thank you for sharing. I'm just wondering are you heat treating with a torch/forge/kiln?

Love your work by the way. My kid still loves his wooden knife we got from you at Blade show this year.
 
I would argue that ths is a BAD example of a failed hamon. Doesnt' look that bad to me.:D
 
I've heard from a few makers who are far more experienced than I and it seems to be the consensus that a good way to avoid the problem that I've encountered here is to do a quick grind and etch to ensure the proper hardening has occurred the entire length of the blade. It makes perfect sense and had I thought of that at the time I could have gone back and re-hardened this blade before going on and discovering the error before putting so much time into the final grind and polish. This was a big lesson learned. I appreciate all the advice offered! Thanks also for the encouraging words on the finish of this piece. There is a lot I like about it so keeping it as a user will be a pleasure.

Jason: do not try your Jedi mind tricks on me!
 
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