Hardening the back of the blade?

[SkagSig40]

If this was done do you think it would make it suitable to use it for a hammer? If the center of the blade was still left soft and the back and edge was hard the blade should still be flexable, right? Has anyone used the back to hammer with? If so did you get alot of deformation? If you have to hammer would you agree that the flat is the best part to use?

 

[Rust]

I wouldn't harden the spine.

AFAIK, there's basically two ways that blades are differentially hardened. One is to harden the whole blade, then temper differentially by applying uneven heat. The other is to directly harden differentially, by zone-hardening.

One thing that's practically universal in hand-made knives of high quality is a springy spine. It allows the blade to flex rather than break. With a hardened spine, I imagine that the blade would be extremely rigid, and prone to breakage.

Also, I'm not sure that a hardened surface makes the best hammer. If it were to hit a hard object, it would tend to chip, or even fracture.

Humm, now there's a thought. Kami-forged hammers?

 

[SkagSig40]

Kami forged hammers!!! Good Idea!!! With really BIG claws!!!

 

[Bill Martino]

I think we may be better off the leave the kamis to their own design, Chris.

 

[SkagSig40]

I think you are right Uncle Bill! Just pondering the idea!

 

[Bill Martino]

It's good to toss things out on the table.