Question about hamon

mbely2 · Feb 6, 2009

I wonder how durable is hamon line, particularly on W-2 blades?
Will it fade away or disappear when blade is repeatedly cleaned with Flitz or other mild abrasive like Simichrome?

Thank you,

Mark

FlaMtnBkr · Feb 9, 2009

Since you have not gotten any replies I will give you my very unprofessional opinion. A hamon is a visible line created because of varying hardness of the steel. This means the softer area is a different molecular structure as the hardened area (I don't remember the names from the phase diagrams, sorry). The hamon is unlike damascus which is different types of metal and etched to show the different alloys. I am pretty sure the hamon is revealed by careful sanding and polishing that reveals the difference in the blade. I would think polishing with a fine compound like flitz would not affect the hamon and could possibly enhance it.

You will probably get much better advise in the makers shop talk forum.

SShepherd · Feb 9, 2009

yes it will.

Usually ,in a hybrid polish, some type of acid is used to bring out the hamon.
In a traditional polish stones are used.
repeated use of flitz will polish the entire blade the same, washing out the hamon.

FlaMtnBkr · Feb 9, 2009

SShepherd said:
yes it will.

Usually ,in a hybrid polish, some type of acid is used to bring out the hamon.
In a traditional polish stones are used.
repeated use of flitz will polish the entire blade the same, washing out the hamon.

I stand corrected! But at least you got a good answer! Guess it's been too many years since I read up on the process...

mbely2 · Feb 9, 2009

Great info, thanks!

Mark

Broos · Feb 10, 2009

It will always have a hamon - if after using, scratching and dulling, you want to make the hamon look more pronounced again, refinish, etch, and polish. Look here for some good info from a master:

http://www.dfoggknives.com/techniques.htm

mbely2 · Feb 10, 2009

I saved this link, thanks! Tons of useful info there.

SShepherd · Feb 10, 2009

Broos said:
It will always have a hamon - if after using, scratching and dulling, you want to make the hamon look more pronounced again, refinish, etch, and polish. Look here for some good info from a master:

http://www.dfoggknives.com/techniques.htm

correct, but the question from the OP was will it fade or dissapear after flitz or semichrome.

walter sorrell has an excellent dvd on how to do it.

darth kcorbe · Feb 10, 2009

shortly, no. the hamon is not the frosty white edge of the blade but the line between the martinsite and pearlite steels resulting from the differential hardening. the frosty, hardened edge will certainly fade with use, but can be refreshed if desired by applying an acidic agent to the area or with a finishing polish, as was done originally. The hamon will not disappear so quickly as it is a naturally occurring part of the steel.

as for Flitz or other polishing creme: i haven't found them to visibly affect the etching on their own, but the regular us that requires their use certainly will.