What to do with a hamon that looks like crap?

[spareparts]

Working on a chef's knife from Aldo's 1084. Only sanded to 120 so far but wanted to see what the hamon is starting to look like so gave it a soak in some acid. Initial impression is that it looks like crap. Kind of like Christmas garland (bunch of over exaggerated interlocking U shapes) for lack of a better description.

I really don't want to re-heat treat. If I skip etching to what degree will the hamon show when it patinas from use/age?

If I draw out the spine with a torch, will that help to kill a retarded hamon?

 

[LVMPDawg]

This thread needs pics!
There is probably someone here that likes wacky hamons. Polish it up and see what you got.

 

[quint]

I think 1084 is kind of hard to get a good hamon from to begin with. More of a temper line.

Regardless your gonna have to get further along then 120grit to really get a hamon to pop. I plan on doing some in 1075 once I get some good shapes finished up so I have been reading up alot on it. There are alot of good threads on the forum here about this topic.

 

[spareparts]

Thanks for the info. I need work on my finishing anyway so I'll go ahead and take it all the way. Hopefully it doesn't come out like the whacky Christmas ornament knife that it looks like right now.

 

[quint]

Can u post a pick of it. Would be interested to see how it looks.

 

[frc505]

I think 1084 is kind of hard to get a good hamon from to begin with. More of a temper line.
.

I have heard 1084 isnt a great steel to get a harmon on but 1095 & W2 are argueably
The best steels for producing harmons !

Frank

 

[Nebulae]

that sounds amazing to me. were you expecting a straight line

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I'd go for a satin or whatever finish you prefer. 1084 can yield a hamon (I hear) but it is probably one of the tougher steels to get one on, I doubt most could get a hamon at all on that steel. Too much manganese!

Good luck with everything! Try W2, 1095 or Aldo's 1075 for a beautiful hamon.