I'm noticing new makers improve incredibly quickly

OK....who actually can produce a hamon in A2 like Phill Hartsfield?

Phil sure ain't saying...lol

I have heard people say they can do it but then nothing but silence when asked to show it.
 
AVigil said:
OK....who actually can produce a hamon in A2 like Phill Hartsfield?
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My first question is... why?

The entire point of alloyed steels like A2 or D2 is to avoid a hamon or differential temper, and get the entire piece fully converted to martensite. It took a whole lot of research and incredible amounts of cash/labor to develop steels like those. Why go completely against what the material was designed for? What's to be gained? A2 is pretty dang tough with decent wear-resistance the "normal" way, so.... what's the point? It looks cool? :confused:

My second question is, how? As in, how much would the extra time and effort cost, and who's willing to pay for it?

Seems like trying to drink whiskey from a bottle of wine to me. *shrug*

To be fair, let me say that I just don't get real excited about hamons in the first place. (I know, I know... sacrilege! I'm probably gonna get slammed for saying that.)

Yup, they're pretty. But I remain thoroughly unconvinced that they improve performance in any way. Quite honestly, I have serious concerns about leaving a transition area of pearlite in a blade composed of tempered martensite and who-knows-what... having said that, I also admit I've seen some blades with hamons perform very well in hard use, so I may be over-thinking all that.
 
All of which brings me back to the point that a great deal of the "magic", "secrets", misunderstood half-truths and outright bullpuckey of knifemaking that was so prevalent for centuries, has been debunked or clarified in the last couple decades. That's good for all of us... makers, collectors and users.
 
I'm just happy I was able to find all the info I needed without asking noob questions...God forbid the count swooping down out of the rafters to give me a noob slap, at that point I would have been compelled to challenge him to a duel ;0)

Even with all the great info here there is a considerable amount of mud to wade through
 
There's no doubt that there are guys excelling at a bewildering rate.

Like Warren (Willie) said, having the access to information helps, but you still have to go do whatever it is.


I've had dozens of people ask me why I am such an open book with my techniques, especially since most of them were self taught over a lot of years of dicking around in the shop... and I always go back to the notion that just because you show someone something, doesn't mean that they can or will do it.

I've seen guys do things that I have zero hope of ever being able to do.

On the flip side, it is kind of dumb to be training your competition.... for free.... :foot: :confused: ;)


Plus there's the fact that "new guy" is a relative term. It's been over twenty years since I made my first knife, and I am referred to by many makers as a "kid," "young buck" "new dog" etc...

Like my good friend Chuck Bybee and I were just talking about, it only takes 15-20 years of busting your ass to be an overnight success! ;) :D



Adam- I have no idea how in the hell he did that, but I'd sure like to know! I understand what James was saying about it too... But sometimes it's really nice to know you can do something... just because it isn't supposed to be possible! :D :)
 
james terrio said:
My first question is... why?
Click to expand...

Because it looks cool...thats why

Duh :) Isn't that why people work so hard for the hamon to show?

As for who would pay? I do not know but he sure sold a lot of and he was not inexpensive
 
I hope you will indulge me and not judge my comments as self promotion. I know most of the posters on the thread and I feel comfortable commenting.

Since bringing our product to market in 2009 we have expanded sales to many countries around the world including Cyprus, Bhutan the United Arab Emerits, Spain, France the Netherlands Australia, Japan; I sold one to a maker living close to the Arctic Circle. There are knife makers everywhere in places I've never heard of. Its been wonderful meeting people from so many nations.

We've shipped hundreds of these useful tools to makers here on Blade Forums. I take no credit for the skill developed by new makers but what I do say is so many new makers have gotten over the how to grind a blade skillfully thing, in a very short time using my invention. In doing so, they could then focus their precious time on the many other skills needed to become a skilled maker. Most all of you here remember well how long it took you to master the skill of grinding blades.
We are approaching 3,000 units shipped and I think in a small way we have kept many new makers in front of the grinder and in doing this have expanded the number of new makers who are making their mark in the knife world. It pleases me no end to ship a BJ to someone in January and see their knives for sale in the forum in June. It makes it worthwhile.

Thanks, Fred
 
"It pleases me no end to ship a BJ to someone in January and see their knives for sale in the forum in June. It makes it worthwhile. "

Um....................... I can see how that might be motivational. :thumbup: Kidding.


I don't use a bubble jig but you certainly have helped a lot of people get over their fear of grinding. Thanks Fred.
 
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