Clay for Hamon Temper Help

Rick Marchand

Rick Marchand

Donkey on the Edge
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I'm very interested in clay tempering my blades. I've done the research... now it's time to experiment. I can't seem to be able to locate the proper clay/ceramic products to do this with. I read that AP Green's No. 36 High Alumina Refractory Cement works well for this and can be bought in 30-50 lb buckets... darned if I can find anyone who sells them. Maybe I'm not looking where I need to.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I live in Southern Ontario, Canada... just across the border from Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Rick
 
i use a product called Satanite (sp) that you can buy from darren ellis, i dont know if he ships up north though.
good luck man
 
You might also try "Furnace Cement". A lot of successful makers swear by it, and it can be purchased at your local supply/hardware/lumber/farm store.
 
I use natural clay that is about two feet under the soil, dry it, crush it to a powder, and then add water. A mix for larger blades is 1/3 sandstone, 1/3 charcoal powder, and 1/3 clay. Also I believe you mean differential quench not temper.

Try searching www.amazon.com for refractory cement, they have some but it might not be what your looking for.
 
ekibyougami said:
Also I believe you mean differential quench not temper.
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm speaking of Differential Heat treat to produce the classic "hamon" temper lines. The soil in my area is rich with deep blue clay... I wonder if it will work... I'm all about the organic alternatives... I will research clay processing. Thanks for the help.

Rick
 
Darren Ellis sells APG36, 1 can from him will make several blades, even swords. I'd get satanite from him instead though, the APG36 is a real PITA to use compared to Satanite. Scott Slobodian uses Satanite very successfully for producing beautiful hamon and he learned many of his tricks from Bob Engnath, the guy who brought APG36 to fame. If you really need more than the small quantities that Darren sells, I'd just call him and ask him where to buy it in vollume, I'm sure he'll be helpful.
 
Thanks a bunch guys. I guess "refractory" was the key word I was missing in my searches... I'm finding sources now... you guys really got me on the right track!!:thumbup:

Rick
 
hey i used Rutland black furnace cement... works great! you can find it on eBay in Pints.. (or that is where i got it... it is good stuff.)
have fun!
~Chris
 
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