Hamon Layers

[Geffofary]

Hello,

I am currently working on a chefs knife and just attempt my first Hamon etch (on my first differentially hardened blade). Based on how I laid out the clay, the hardened area came out as expected. However one of layers I am unsure about. Normally when i see photos of Hamons there are 3 distinct layers but I am seeing four on this blade. I circled the area that i'm wondering about.

Not being too familiar with a clay quench I am wondering what could have occurred to form that central layer. The steel is 1084, quenched at approx 1500 (charcoal forge) in Canola oil. I included the unedited picture as well so you can see the delineation better.

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Until finished and etched, there can be all sorts of stuff showing that is not part of the real hamon.

Questions:
Has the blade been sanded after the quench?
Was it a full quench or an edge quench?

 

[J W Bensinger]

That looks like an edge quench to me-that or the only the edge portion+a bit under the clay reached critical temp
Just my .02

 

[Geffofary]

Thanks for the replies so far. To answer your questions:

This was a full quench. The bottom third hardened properly and a 60HRc file skated across. The blade was taken to ~1500 grit before etching in diluted ferric chloride. Here is a picture of the blade before etching.

The reason it may look so rough in the first picture I posted is that I had sanded off the first layer of grime after the etch but not taken it back to a polish. I think there was also some flash rust. Here is a picture of the blade right after etch before any sanding: