The Mystique of the Hamon

I have to fight with Sam to have new pictures, here one of his latest knives...

 
Some fantastic posts from Dave and STeven here!

Dave I absolutely agree with your view on the hamon and I love the ones ive seen on your work.

I also found watanabe's comments insightful. The different cultural views on the hamon are an important aspect to consider.

I'm learning a lot from this thread and I thank those of you who are taking the time to share your knowledge, it is graciously appreciated.

Amazing thread!
 
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I agree, that last page was a great discussion, worth saving for further reflection. Thanks for the insights.
 
What a great thread! I have little to offer up to hamon gods but ...

Here is my first (completely unintentional) hamon that showed itself with a 1000 grit waterstone finish. The blade is 1095 and I suspect it is just a product of the blade geometry(the edge was .005", quenched in fast oil). That... or I messed up somewhere:o. I didn't bother trying to bring it out as I doubted it had much activity. This one is in my kitchen.

IMG_0047-4.jpg
 
I am really enjoying this discussion. There is so much more going on in the steel than I ever thought possible. I am going to have to re read this several times.
 
I am with Joe, Norbert , that thing is wicked cool!!
 
Bladeplay74 said:
Hamon.

There's just something about them. At once a sign of a properly hardened blade, and a purely aesthetic embellishment.

A meeting of science and art, the contrast between martensitic and pearlitic steels as important as the pattern and the look

The essence within the blade, waiting to be released, coddled, seemingly conjured into existence.

The crashing windswept waves or cirrus clouds of utsuri...

The dark and sinister shadow of the blade's intent

Let's see your favorites folks. I'll get us started with my newest acquisition from our own Stuart Branson.

Seth

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Click to expand...

And yet, we have a thread here on the forum about "I have no desire to buy a custom/handmade knife." I haven't looked through all the posts. Yet. I will but I'm wondering. How many production knives are posted on this thread? Beautiful work and congratulations to all the artists who contribute to our hobby/passion.
 
Very much enjoying the discussion here guys,the previous page contains some excellent insight into the art. I think it will be interesting to see how the Hamon progresses in modern knife making. I suspect that most will attain a level that they will be happy to remain at, and I'm not knocking that, I would be very happy to own a number of the pieces that have been shown on here. But there will be a few makers that will pursue this with a passion, chasing the details in the steel and bringing life to the Hamon. Can't wait to see there work, although I think there are a couple that are well and truly on that road.


Doug
 
I love Matt Lamey hamons. True inspiration.

I've made this one out of 1075 steel.
uflu.jpg

Giedymin
 
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