clay composition

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- Strix Varia
  
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posted
20 years ago

Wed, Nov 5, 2003 11:57 PM

Hello,group!I am using local red clay as an insulator when hardening and quenching steel,attempting to achieve a "differential temper".Raw clay,applied to bare steel,when heated flakes off and seems to be to fragile.I've mixed up a mixture of red clay/hydrated lime,and applied it in a liquid state,letting it dry to an even coat.This seems to work well.My question:what common things could i possible add to this clay mixture to give it more strength?Thanks,in advance,for any replies.

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- MKent41616
  
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posted
20 years ago

Thu, Nov 6, 2003 4:54 AM

ah this is somethign i have heard about its practiced by the japanese samurai sword makers to temper the edges of the awords and make them harder while giving the blade the flexability it needs. you might check online to see if a recipee for this is available

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posted
20 years ago

Thu, Nov 6, 2003 5:49 PM

Thanks for the replly,and yes,differential hardening is designed to give a blade both flexibility and hardness.If you've seen photo's of samuri swords,and noticed the wavy line that runs down the long axis,thats called a "hamon",and is the visible border between the differently hardened steel.Thanks for the advice!