Hamon claying question

[M.Griffin]

This may be a no brainer, but here goes. When applying the clay/satanite/furnace cement, do you make both sides of the knife mirror images of each other? i.e. If the knife wasn't between the two sides of the clay, would they line up exactly, or doesn't it matter and the hamon can show up differently on both sides (my guess is this is the case)? In the past, I have lined up the clay as closely as possible on both sides just because I figured it was the safe way to do it. Thanks

-Mike

 

[Will Leavitt]

I try to line them up closely because of fear of stresses but don't get all crazy making templates or anything....

 

[SAR]

Close is good, pay attention to thickness as well

Spencer

 

[Bruce Bump]

They should mirror each other somewhat or else the hamon will be straight. They tend to average out each other.

 

[A C Richards]

Well I saw a blade Walter Sorrels did that had a choji on one side and straight on the other, per the customers request. If they mirror it should be easier to attain a good Hamon. Also if they are not you will contend with warping. So the answer is yes and no.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

With a water quench, you can get a different pattern on each side. This is a skill the is both highly developed, and hit or miss. I would suggest making both sides the same as close as possible. Ashi lines can be varies, but the main clay lines should be mirrored.
Stacy