Water Quenching question

[Don Hanson III]

There is no modern steel made like the Japanese sword steel which was/is basically iron with .70% carbon (no manganese) and very little else. This would be the best steel for a water quench and a very active hamon but some will still crack, as mete said "their failure rate was fairly high". 1060, 1065, 1070, 1075, 1080, 1084 are all high in manganese .60 to .90, this is not conducive to water or active hamon.

W1, W2 are lowest in manganese (.15 - .40)....1095 (.30 - .50).....these three steels are the best choice for water (still not recomended) and will give the most active hamon.

 

[Ronnal]

Great replies folks

I second to those stunning hamons pictured. That kind of hamons only comes with practice and understanding, I guess. Better get started there.

I guess you are right about that high failure rate. Makes sence as it is pushing the limits of the steel pretty far.

I did'nt know that sori doesnt come with oil quenching. Another great learning value from this great forum.

I am finishing up a knife I am making for my brothers burthday (dont tell him), and then I have some christmas presents to complete. But THEN I will start grinding my first tanto. I do 2 or 3 blades and perhaps between christmas and new-years I can quench them... I'll let you know how it goes..

BTW any tip of a good host for pictures to post on the forum is appreciated

BRGDS Ronald

PS Skodje is in Norway. A little village on the nort-west cost of Norway, slightly north of cape west. Just a few miles north of Aalesund. Quite few Norwegians have even heard of this place if their not a local.