Katana

2 Responses to Katana

  1. Gary Haydu says:

    Good evening,
    I am learning bladesmith and have a question. I have forged a wakazashi length blade from a piece of car leaf spring and need to know what can I use as clay for heat treating? I would love to take your classes however, Oregon might be a stretch from Connecticut. Thanks
    Gary

    • Ronald West says:

      You can try Wood stove or fireplace repair cement it works very well thin with water for the initial coat then apply a thicker layer to the spine to slow the cooling down there. I’ve used the “Rutland” brand for this for many years with more than fair results, remember to forge the blade straighter than you want it to end up as it will curl when quenched. leave the surface rough 60 grit or rougher, and the edge at least .060″ thick a .100″ is better.

      Ron West
      Shining Mountain Knifeworks
      Westcliffe Colorado and Gilroy California.

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