Temper Line/Hamon??

[lizzardbone]

Are there any blade lengths that the kamis do not perform the zone tempering process on? I think I saw a post some where on here that most if not all small blades (12" and less) typically do not recieve a temper.
The reason I ask, is that on a 12 Chit, I flat out can not get the temper line to show with a FeCl etch (five attempts). The EXACT same process performed on 16.5 WWII and 15" Ballance give indication after first application.
Any long time members care to weigh in here???

Thanks for any and all info.

 

[Dave Rishar]

There's no hard and fast rule that determines at which blade length a given kami (with a given model, on a given day) will opt for full hardening rather than zone hardening. That being said, a 12" ought to have one.

I have a few pieces that won't etch properly no matter what I do. Another way to check is to use a file or sharpening stone; the hardened area will have a different "feel" to it, with a file tending to skate over it unless a lot of force is applied. (Which is the exact opposite of what I've noticed with my sanding belts and certain hones, where the hardened area "grabs" the abrasive more than the unhardened areas do. Don't ask me why.) The important thing is to use a steady pressure and listen to what the steel is telling you, both visually and through tactile feedback. If there's a hardened area you should be able to notice.

If you can't detect a difference with etching or filing, try wringing it out a bit on hardwoods. You'll find out very quickly whether it was hardened or not.

Report back if you still can't detect one.