Discover the intricate craftsmanship behind Japanese sword polishing and tameshigiri test cutting. Learn how master polishers reveal the hamon’s hidden beauty.
Tamahagane, the legendary steel behind authentic Japanese katanas, is forged through a centuries-old tradition using iron sand and charcoal. Discover the intricate smelting process inside the ancie...
Once the blade is formed, the quenching process begins to achieve a sharp and hardened edge, during which the pattern on the blade surface is created. The efforts involved in this phase are more co...
The tsuka, or handle of a sword, plays a vital role in its functionality and aesthetics. A well-designed handle must offer a comfortable grip, ensuring that it is neither too thick nor too thin. Th...
The quenching process, particularly the clay tempering method, is one of the most crucial steps in the making of a traditional Japanese katana. This stage, known as yaki-ire in Japanese, is where t...
Nakago The ‘nakago’ is also known as the ‘tang’ and is the most informative part of a Japanese sword during its evaluation, with its importance rivaling that of the blade itself. When appreciating...
Hamon Through repeated mixing, folding, and forging, before quenching, a layer of clay is applied to the blade, leaving only the edge exposed. This allows the edge to directly contact the water dur...
The Japanese sword, regardless of its tip or the entire blade, is characterized by a design based on curves and arcs. This distinctive shape is a result of the combination of steel types used and ...
Japanese swords can be roughly categorized into four types based on their length: "Tachi," "Katana," "Wakizashi," and "Tanto." These four types were the standard weapons used by Japanese warriors. ...