mark or stain to blade

[Mark Green]

OH CRAP!! It looks like some Yubashiri spilled on my sword!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Guido]

"Hataraki" is a term usually used for activities inside or along the Hamon, while Jichū-Hataraki are activities in the Ji or Shinogi-Ji. Among the Jichū-Hataraki, the most common are Utsuri, Ji-Nie, Chikei, Tobiyaki, Muneyaki and Yubashiri.

 

The majority of Hataraki consists of Nie. The martensite particles that form the Habuchi and Hataraki are called Nioi if they are small, misty and diffuse, and Nie if they are big enough to form individual, discernible, shiny spots. Actually every Habuchi/Hataraki consists of Nioi, and the occurrence of Nie depends on the carbon content of the steel as well as the temperature to which the blade is heated prior to Yakiire.

 

There is for instance Ko-Nie (small), Ara-Nie (coarse), Ō-Nie (large), Hadaka-Nie ("naked", very large and isolated), and Kazunoko-Nie ("herring roe", large and all over the surface).

 

Tobiyaki and Yubashiri are basically the same, spots of temper outside the Hamon. While Tobiyaki (flying temper) has a strong appearance, Yubashiri looks kind of transparent, and consists more or less of fused Ji-Nie. Ji-Nie are Nie that are "sprinkled" over the Ji, on Shintō dark and on Kotō whitish. If Tobiyaki looks like roundish dots, it's called Tama, often seen on works of Sukehiro and Daidō. Irregularly shaped Tobiyaki is mostly associated with Sōshū work, in which also Muneyaki is to be expected.

 

Tobiyaki is a Kantei point for certain schools and smiths, and in those cases intentional. It can also be unintentional, when the clay loosens, or air bubbles are under it, before and during quenching. That kind of unintentional Tobiyaki can range from outright ugly to adding to the charm of the blade, but it isn't a flaw per se, just a cosmetic issue. It is, however, considered a major flaw if it's the result of Saiha, or re-tempering, where it is often encountered together with Muneyaki, Mizukage and Yakiotoshi.

 

Jizukare are dark, rough spots caused by exposed core steel due to overpolishing; Hada isn't visible in Jizukare, it looks "flat". But it shouldn't be confused with Sumigane, a feature of Aoe swords. Sumigane are dark, shiny patches where the Hada is so dense that it's hard to discern. If Tsukare occurs in the Hamon it's called Hajimi; white Hajimi, or Shirajimi, OTOH, is a trademark of Kunimune and in his work not considered a flaw.

 

As I already mentioned, most of the features described here are hard to identify from their description alone. They have to be seen sword in hand, with a knowledgeable person standing next to one, pointing them out.

[paulb]

Guido,

An excellent and precise summary, thank you.

 

Paul

[Jean]

That's a good one Guido

[Stephen]

most exlant post, and a great point that most are very hard to photo. Top form G-man

[Eric H]

Pic 1 - Yubashiri in the shinogi-ji of a Shikkake Naginata Naoshi (see NMB Articles : Paul Bowman "Study of a Juyo Blade"

Pic 2 - Tobiyaki in a blade by Muramasa

 

Eric

[Brian]

Great post Guido. Have you considered a dedicated and in depth article on hataraki?

I know there are various webpages and books with sections, but we could really benefit from an in depth article with photos. Paul's article is also well worth a read (as are ALL the articles in the articles section!)

 

Regards,

Brian

[reinhard]

Tobiyaki and Yubashiri are basically the same, spots of temper outside the Hamon. While Tobiyaki (flying temper) has a strong appearance, Yubashiri looks kind of transparent, and consists more or less of fused Ji-Nie. Ji-Nie are Nie that are "sprinkled" over the Ji, on Shintō dark and on Kotō whitish. If Tobiyaki looks like roundish dots, it's called Tama, often seen on works of Sukehiro and Daidō. Irregularly shaped Tobiyaki is mostly associated with Sōshū work, in which also Muneyaki is to be expected....As I already mentioned, most of the features described here are hard to identify from their description alone. They have to be seen sword in hand, with a knowledgeable person standing next to one, pointing them out.

 

Some people might be confused by Guido's lecture (at least I hope so). To give you an idea what he is talking about, I would like to show you a pic zooming into a close-up of a ko-wakizashi by Soshu HIROMITSU. Hitatsura hamon is visible, including yubashiri and tobiyaki in various forms, and ji is sprinkled by different variations of ji-nie. Original picture was taken by Mr. Fujishiro Okisato. I strongly recommend his books: "MeiTo Zukan"

 

reinhard

[Ted Tenold]

Great explaination Guido.

 

Here's two more images showing further examples on a gendaito. These are essentially examples of the "unintentional" types that Guido commented on that aren't flaws, but mearly cosmetic. Notice the central solid field of hardened area surrounded by various formations of nie, while there are also concentrated areas of the transparent nie patches. Granted it's interesting activity, but the randomness of it illustrates how unintended things can happen. This sword is by Chikamitsu, dated 1943.

[Mark Green]

Great examples guys! Gota love that ji nie

Mark