First attempt at bringing out a hamon

fast14riot

fast14riot

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Oct 27, 2010
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I got this little hatchet for $3 at the flea market in June '11 with intent on cleaning it up for house and camping use. During the sanding I saw a glimps of some activity in the quench line. I posted a pic and question on here bck then asking for opinions if it was a hamon and it was determined, yes, its a hamon. It got put in a drawer and forgotten about, fast forward to this week when I found it again. I decided to try and bring it out, but not all fancy and shiney like a Nick Wheeler or RyanW. I want to still use this thing!

So after reading through RyanW's thread I decided to give it a shot. I brought it to 600# finish, not super clean, but acceptable for me. I soaked the entire head in vinegar for 20 minutes and scrubbed, did that for several cyles. After that I took a 1" square of dish sponge soaked with 1:9 ferric solution and buffed the bit in the same incremental steps that Ryan stated. I dint have any flitz, so I used NeverDull wadding to polish. I thn went to a 1um diamond paste on leather to see if there was any ashi lines, but they must have been ground off. So I backed up and did more ferric soaking and buffing, then back to the NeverDull.

I like how it turned out, and is a good user grade finish for a tool that will see use. How'd I do?

2012-11-26005244.jpg


2012-11-26005255.jpg



-Xander
 
Well, based on the coloring and the way the steel etched... I don't think that's a hamon. The line looks like a transition from a high carbon bit forge welded into a mild steel body, IMHO.

But either way, it looks really cool. :)
 
Thanx Nick, I did lots of self doubting before I became comfortable calling it a hamon. I've inpected it very closely, it is mono steel construction, it is also a modern made hatchet. I did not buff the bit after etching, nor did I etch the whole head in Ferric. I will be the first to admit that I don't know much about this stuff, but it sure seems to be the real thing!


-Xander

edit... here is the original thread from last year...

Is his a hamon?
 
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Did you sand/polish the sides? If so, post a picture of the sides (top and bottom).
It looks like a welded bit axe to me. I make quite a few, and that is exactly what they look like.
It most certainly isn't a hamon.
 
I was under the impression that by definition a hamon is only formed by the process of differential heat treatment?
Maybe it is the look, I'm not sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
 
I would expect a straighter line from being dipped than the curve shown. Still, it's neat as heck! Of course, you could always redo the HT and clay coat to see what you might get.
 
bladsmth said:
Did you sand/polish the sides? If so, post a picture of the sides (top and bottom).
It looks like a welded bit axe to me. I make quite a few, and that is exactly what they look like.
It most certainly isn't a hamon.
Click to expand...

Yes I did sand the sides. I'll try and get a couple pics of them. There is a definite difference in hardness either side of the line. When I etched with ferric the edges did not show the classic dart shape of an inserted bit, or the Kelly process of a bit welded over the poll. It continued across the edges just as it does on the cheeks.

Like I said, this is a modern production piece an I know of none using a welded contruction.


-Xander
 
It is a cool look but I agree that it is not a hamon. It kinda looks to me like it was case hardened. The straight portion on the left of the pic leads me to think that way.
 
Rick Marchand said:
It is a cool look but I agree that it is not a hamon. It kinda looks to me like it was case hardened. The straight portion on the left of the pic leads me to think that way.
Click to expand...

How deep is typical case hardening, or how deep I possible? Because as its sharpened wouldn't it be getting ino softer steel, say .060" deep? I removed quite a bit of steel on the edge due to one nasty chip, and it was hard all the way.

Here are the pics of the edge, first one is a standard close up and the second one is at 10x magnification where the line meets the side.

2012-11-28071343.jpg


2012-11-28071543.jpg



-Xander
 
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