Finishing a Hamon

[rodriguez7]

So I made my first w2 blade, and was successful getting my Hamon line. Not great, but not bad. So now, what I’m wondering, is how do I finish it out? It’s still grey from the acid etch. How do I finish, and polish it without wiping out the line? I’ll post pics in a few, see if I can get the lighting right.

 

[rodriguez7]

https://imgur.com/gallery/6sAeb

 

[rodriguez7]

https://imgur.com/gallery/xtFBf

 

[rodriguez7]

Kind of faint, but better than nothing I guess!!

 

[Goose 7279]

Couldn't you tape it off

 

[rodriguez7]

No clue, I could probably try, and see how it comes out. Is that how everyone is getting these beautiful Hamon lines? Do Hamons rub off with continued cutting and use?

 

[Ian Fifelski]

I have been using 1500 powdered silicon carbide abrasive from ebay. Mix it with some water and polish with make up pads. Some people use pumice powder too.

Willie has a great thread. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-hamon-thread.1459372/

 

[Ian Fifelski]

Taping it off won't work. To keep the line you need to polish rather than use sand paper.

If you etch and polish about 4 times in vinegar or ferric chloride and about 6 times with lemon juice, polishing between each etch you should be able to get that hamon to show really nicely.

and as I have heard from every experienced maker who does hamon: less Clay, less heat, less etch, more polish. Polishing is the main part of making a good hamon.

I would like to make it known that I am only on my first hamon but I have asked some questions and learned some things along the way so I am giving what advice I can. I am no expert.

 

[rodriguez7]

I only etched in acid 2 times so far, so tonight I’ll try it again. Then what? Move onto lemon juice? I was using flitz to polish it! And using window washer spray in between to clean it.

 

[Josh Rider]

Flitz will work. Your handle is already on though. That complicates things.

 

[rodriguez7]

Y

Flitz will work. Your handle is already on though. That complicates things.

yup, I get impatient sometimes. I wanted it done. But I can still polish and etch around the handle! Hopefully this weekend I’ll get another blade profiled! I
I’ll leave the handle off till I get it where I want it.

 

[Ian Fifelski]

Flitz will work too.

I read your question again. Polishing will not take out the line.

 

[Willie71]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-hamon-thread.1459372/

Many methods described in this thread.

 

[Josh Rider]

A lot of these hamon threads lately are accompanied by the word impatient. Eliminate that habit from your behavior and you’ll see improvements in your hamon.

 

[rodriguez7]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-hamon-thread.1459372/

Many methods described in this thread.

I’ll check it out, thanks!

 

[rodriguez7]

A lot of these hamon threads lately are accompanied by the word impatient. Eliminate that habit from your behavior and you’ll see improvements in your hamon.

It’s an issue I’m working on!!!

 

[Willie71]

I’ll check it out, thanks!

Most of the pics are missing after the forum upgrade.

 

[rodriguez7]

Most of the pics are missing after the forum upgrade.

Of course!!