Speaking of Black Japan finish, I forgot where folks get it?  There used 
to be a farm latch and hinge factory in Albany, WI.   Rust Latch 
factory.  They Japanned everything.  They coated stuff all day long, 
then at 1600 they turned on the baking oven and hardened stuff up.  
Smell was pleasant, annoyed some folks.  I bought a lot of old pattern 
making stuff from Mr. Rust, for not much money.  It was all belt driven 
so I took it out to my Amish buddy for his wood shop. He was tickled!

So, where to get good Japan black?

God bless,
Mike