some questions

[L.K.Smithy]

im looking at trying new things with my knives as i work up my fit and finish skills. had a few questions, hope someone will answer any or all of them.

iv read 5160 doesnt take a hamon well, but until i can buy other steel, any tips for trying a clay harden on it? what about edge quench lines?

what 10xx steel is best to start with? im used to the forgiving nature of 5160

im having trouble finding any info on using ceramic slip for clay hardening, i dont have funds for store bought products at this time, and i have alot of clay.

is it correct that the hamon shows when its polished? no acid etch right? higher the polish the better? will an edge quench show the same way?

thanks to all. this site has given me allot to work with and allot of inspiration.

-Lou

 

[Mace]

Lou,
Experiment all you want on the 5160 and see what you get. I have gotten a slight hamon line when edge quenching 5160, but this is not a good steel for the active hamon you want.

Good 10xx steel......1095 ,1084(which I have for sale), 1075 ...etc. are all fairly simple steels to work with and will produce a homon line.

I am kinda new to clay so I can't coment on your ceramic slip. Try it!:thumbup:

You are right....higher the finish the better it will look.

Regards
Mace

 

[AcridSaint]

I'm a big fan of 1084 and 1080, little cheaper than 1095 and still makes a fine knife. Also know nothing about ceramic slip clay. I've liked working with satanite and it's very cheap, 1lb is $3 from Darren and it will do many knives.