Differential heat treat...just for looks?

[jideta]

Does differential heat treating result in differing hardness across the blade?
I know in Japanese swords it was something like 55 on the edge and 45 on the spine.
Or is it just for aesthetics?
Just wondering...

 

[shqxk]

There are several way to differential heat treat like using clay, torching spine, edge quench or torching just the edge etc. The main goal of these method is for overall toughness of the blade.

 

[jideta]

There are several way to differential heat treat like using clay, torching spine, edge quench or torching just the edge etc. The main goal of these method is for overall toughness of the blade.

thanks, but you're not answering my question.

 

[shqxk]

thanks, but you're not answering my question.

Yes, differential heat treating does result in differing hardness on each portion of the blade. The numbers are depend on steel, heat treat and method you use. For example 1095 clay coat/ spine torch may result 60HRC on the edge and 40-45HRC on the spine. Edge quench/edge torch may get lower number on spine.

 

[jideta]

ok thanks!

 

[Lorien]

thanks, but you're not answering my question.

you answered your own question;
Does differential heat treating result in differing hardness across the blade?
I know in Japanese swords it was something like 55 on the edge and 45 on the spine.

leaving us with this;
Or is it just for aesthetics?

shqxk answered your unanswered question with;
The main goal of these method is for overall toughness of the blade


FWIW, he gave you a solid answer, and in my opinion, your response was a little rude

 

[jideta]

Listen, what was my original question?
Was it about overall blade toughness? No, it was about differential hardness across the blade. Was it about differential tempering methods? No.
The first reply did nothing to answer my original question and I did thank him.
If I wanted to ask about over all hardness or the intent of differential tempering I would have, but I didn't.
If I wanted to ask about differential tempering methods I could have but I didn't.
Again read my original question.
Does differential heat treating result in differing hardness across the blade?
the response:
There are several way to differential heat treat like using clay, torching spine, edge quench or torching just the edge etc. The main goal of these method is for overall toughness of the blade.
Solid? Where does it mention hardness across the blade?
Ok fine.

Is the blade of different Rockwell across the blade? He answered, I'm happy.
I also thanked him again.
Rude? really? mirror time.

 

[Lorien]

it's usually rude to point out rudeness, so hopefully we've cancelled each other out and can go about our respective business

 

[jideta]

You're the expert.

 

[Lorien]

You're the expert.

thanks!