What is hamon
One of the most distinctive features of Japanese swords is the hamon, or temper line. A hamon is a line that appears on the blade of a Japanese sword. It is created by differential hardening, in which the edge of the blade is heated to a higher temperature than the body of the blade. This is a line that runs along the blade, just above the edge, and is created by differentially hardening the steel.
The katana hamon is a type of sword-smithing technique used to create the distinctive patterns seen on Japanese swords. The word hamon literally means "edge pattern" and refers to the katana line that runs along the blade just above the cutting edge.
Katana hamon patterns
The katana hamon is characterized by a wide variety of patterns, from straight lines to wavy lines to complex geometric patterns. Each pattern has its own name and can be used to identify the swordsmith who created it. Some of the most common katana hamon patterns include:
- Straight: This is the simplest and most common type of hamon. The blade is evenly hardened throughout, resulting in a straight hamon line running along the edge.
- Midare: Also known as "midarekomi," this type of hamon is characterized by a series of undulating lines. It is created by uneven heating of the blade, which causes the steel to harden unevenly and results in a wavy pattern.
- Choji: This type of hamon resembles a series of connected rectangles. It is created by repeatedly folding and hammering the steel to create layers, which are then etched to reveal the choji pattern.
- Geometric: There are a wide variety of geometric hamon patterns, including diamonds, squares, and circles. These patterns are created by etching the steel in a particular way to create the desired shape.
- Komaru: The komaru hamon is created by differential heating and cooling of the blade during the manufacturing process. This results in a hard outer layer and a softer inner layer. The komaru hamon is characterized by a straight, undulating line that runs along the length of the blade. It is said to resemble the flow of a river. The komaru hamon is one of the most popular types of hamon among Japanese sword collectors.
- Kaen: Kaen is a unique tempering pattern. It is created by using a special clay mixture which is applied to the blade and then heated until it changes color. The result is a beautiful, swirling pattern that is unlike any other. Kaen hamon are considered to be extremely rare and valuable, and are often sought after by collectors.
- Oomaru: The oomaru is a traditional Japanese hamon pattern. The oomaru hamon is a great way to add personality and style to your sword collection.
Should katana have hamon
Many people believe that a hamon adds beauty and character to a sword, and it can certainly be an impressive sight. But the hamon is not only aesthetic, it allows the katana to be more resistant in case of impact with a hard surface, but also to be sharper. This is the result of the creation of martensite crystals following the tempering of the sword. This process, when done correctly, is not only aesthetic but also makes the blade much stronger and sharper.
However, there are some drawbacks to having a hamon. This creates a harder and sharper edge, but also makes the blade more fragile in some cases.
First, it is more difficult to maintain than a regular blade. The hamon line must be regularly cleaned and oiled, to keep its sharpness. Secondly, the hamon line makes the blade more fragile. A sword with a hamon is more likely to break in case of lateral impacts on a hard surface. Indeed, the bond between the two levels of hardness of the blade can break in case of repeated impact on the side of the sword. Contrary to a monotempered katana whose hardness is the same all along the blade and thus allows for increased resistance in case of a side blow.
So, should katana have a hamon? Overall, a katana with hamon shows better strength and sharpness, making it one of the best katanas. If your goal is to practice martial arts with your katana to train on bamboo or tatamis, then we recommend you to choose a hamon katana.
If you just want to display your katana as a decorative object, it will not be necessary to choose a hamon blade, unless the aesthetic aspect of the hamon is important to you.
Katana without hamon
A katana without hamon is a Japanese sword that lacks the traditional tempered edge. While this may make the blade less effective in combat, it can still be a deadly weapon in the hands of a skilled user. The main advantage of a katana without hamon is that it is much easier to produce, making it more affordable for most people. Additionally, the lack of tempering means that the blade will not shatter as easily as one with a hamon.
However, it is important to note that a katana without hamon is still a dangerous weapon and should be treated with respect.
