Looks great Vic - sorry to see and hear about the Rat teeth (machine) marks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I was hoping the convex process would have left a moderately smooth blade under the coating. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Eric confirmed they ARE differentially heat treated and the Swamp Rat's new web-page has the Waki listed showing it to be differentially heat treated as well.... I guess the new web page is to help accomodate the Blade Magazine influx of business and orders for the Waki...... So, much for everyone who bought extra Waki's for investment.

I am guessing that Jerry must have come up with some new sort of differential heat treatment for these swords. Like MRPink said, all of the temper lines in the past have been very clean and straight. It can be hard to get a decent picture of, but in hand with decent lighting, the SR-101 temper lines are quite easy to see even with MANY types of satin to rough finishes.

Maybe Jerry learned how to taper the temper from edge to spine somehow (?????).
If so, I think it would be good to know. As the more grinding that is done, the more hard edge could be removed (?????). - Another mystery. But, I don't really like NOT knowing what I have.

Eric said he can't say anything more about the temper other than it IS differential. Which means Jerry has either not provided Eric with any other info or instructed Eric NOT to disclose further info. But, I really want to know more and kind of feel like I SHOULD know more. At some point, I think it is important to know at least a little more about how the blade is made. I don't need to know the secret process. But, at least a bit more specifics about the construction/makeup of the blade. I will have to go start beating on him for more info. Anyone who wants to help, feel free to join in.

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