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Post by Arian297 on Apr 7, 2022 18:26:36 GMT
Hello everyone!
I have recently come to acquire Japanese antiques, specifically wakizashi from the muromachi period. Some of them have major scratches that are even a little deep.
Because I cannot polish said scratches, I had the idea of performing a kintsugi-like technique on them: that is, melting gold or silver and using it to fill the scratches.
First off, what do you think of that idea? Do you see any issues with it?
Do you think it's possible to fill the scratches without damaging the sword, and would it be possible to remove any extra material with careful polishing that does not harm the steel, so that in the end the scratch surface is perfectly even?
Would you see an advantage to certain gold or silver alloys for this purpose?
Looking forward to your replies.
Thank you! - Michael
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Post by eastman on Apr 9, 2022 3:17:08 GMT
I wouldn't do it since the melting point of silver is high enough to ruin the blade's heat treat (and you'd need the blade above the melting point of silver to get it to actually flow into the cracks)
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Post by treeslicer on Apr 9, 2022 3:51:07 GMT
Hello everyone! I have recently come to acquire Japanese antiques, specifically wakizashi from the muromachi period. Some of them have major scratches that are even a little deep. Because I cannot polish said scratches, I had the idea of performing a kintsugi-like technique on them: that is, melting gold or silver and using it to fill the scratches. First off, what do you think of that idea? Do you see any issues with it? Do you think it's possible to fill the scratches without damaging the sword, and would it be possible to remove any extra material with careful polishing that does not harm the steel, so that in the end the scratch surface is perfectly even? Would you see an advantage to certain gold or silver alloys for this purpose? Looking forward to your replies. Thank you! - Michael Don't do it. Like eastman said, molten metal will damage the blade. Real kintsugi is done with precious metal dust bonded with urushi lacquer at room temperature, but I've never heard of anybody doing it on swords, and it would likely be considered a tasteless act of vandalism that would offend the kami.
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Post by Arian297 on Apr 13, 2022 17:15:50 GMT
Thank you for your answers so far.
I'm not sure that the kami have an aversion to gold, indeed I believe the opposite is the case. And working to improve the state of a katana is by no means considered heretical even in Japan. Otherwise restorations or suriage would not be common practice. Highlighting mei with gold is also not unheard of. Plus, I believe that I have seen gold(-plated?) horimono, but I could be wrong.
Anyhow so I guess the verdict is it's impossible without damaging the blade? In that case I'll just try to keep those parts well-oiled.
Thanks again.
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