Hamon (swordsmithing)
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In swordsmithing, hamon (刃文 hamon?) (from Japanese, literally "blade pattern") is a visual effect created on the blade by the tempering process. It is the transition between the region of harder martensitic steel of the blade edge and the softer pearlitic steel of the back of the sword. This visual effect is from the harder Martensite crystals in the steel of the edge which make the steel harder. This difference in hardness is the objective of the tempering process, the visual effect is purely a side effect.
Many modern reproductions do not have natural hamon; their hamon is faked via various processes such as acid etch, or more crude ones such as wire brushing. Some modern reproductions with natural hamon are also subjected to acid etching to enhance that hamon's prominence.
[edit] External Links
- Picture of a Hanwei SH1231 blade with a prominent Hamon (see the wavy line where the metal changes color)
- Cheness Inc page about Hamons and how to differentiate fakes
- Photo of 7 types of Hamon
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