what does a good blade look like after cutting?

Knifemaker87

Knifemaker87

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Jan 2, 2006
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okay.. this is a relativly simple question (i think)
when finishing a swords, spesifically ones with a reallly thin fine edge, where is the line between being too soft and chiping?
i mean i say i can cut through a 1 1/2" sapling just fine, but there are marks on the edge of the blade after doing a bunch of cutting. or if it falls down and hits a bolt and it makes a little ( on the edge where it hit. does this mean that i have done a bad job heat treating? did i temper it too long? does it depend on the steel? or just that it was a hard target, with a very fine edge. after being indoctrinated that the samauri sword can cut through an engine block in one cut (totally perposterous of course) i dont know what is permisible.. and what is natural

so here is my question, what should the edge on a good japanese blade (especially swords) look like after cutting hard materials? or from being dropped (heaven forbid) and if i get marks, but have a hamon line, does that mean i tempered it too long? or what?
thanks
~Chris
 
In my opinion, most of the talk about super hard and sharp sword blades is pure crap.
Yes, they can get sharp, but if used hard they will get dull. They then need the edge touched up. If too hard, the edge chips, and you have to do quite a bit of work to restore it. NO katana ever cut steel in half. Most had soft bodies that could be bent in a battle and straightened to keep on using. The edge was hard enough to get good and sharp, but not chip,which was all that was necessary for use in battle.

As to modern swords, since they are decorative (basically) you can make a harder blade.

The hardest thing most katana cut today is makiwara used in tamashigiri. Dried grass is a long way from wood and steel.

For a kicking around the woods and hacking at things type sword, make one with a thick appleseed grind and a strong spine. That way the wedging action cuts the wood with a chipping action, as with an ax or machete. An edge like this can take enormous abuse and hold up.
Stacy
 
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