The JapaneseSword VOL1 World-class Japanese creativity Swordsmiths.

The JapaneseSword VOL1 World-class Japanese creativity Swordsmiths.（※YouTube MEXTch）

5-10 kg of Tamahagane steel is needed to create a single sword. The swordsmith forges this jewel steel and continues to hammer down the metal to remove impurities. The final weight of the finished blade is 1kg.

The JapaneseSword VOL2 World-class Japanese creativity Traditional Sword Polisher (Part 2)

The JapaneseSword VOL2 World-class Japanese creativity Traditional Sword Polisher (Part 2)（※YouTube MEXTch）

The swordsmith puts his heart and soul into forging the sword. The sword’s blade edge and luster is then created by the sword polisher.
It is finally up to the craftsman to dress the sword up as beautifully as possible.
Each sword has a particular characteristic when held. The togishi sword polisher continues to refine the blade while keeping in constant dialogue with the sword.
It is essential that katana craftsmen have an artistic eye for observation. Upon confirming the conditions of the sword’s components, the togishi must be able to conjure the time, place and story behind the particular sword in order to further accentuate its characteristics through the polishing process. At the same time, the togishi must also refurbish the sword, paying attention to any rust and conditions of possible shape changes from its original form.

The Japanese Sword VOL3 Bizenden style silversmith

The Japanese Sword VOL3 Bizenden style silversmith （※YouTube MEXTch）

Did you know that the sword stays suspended inside of the saya （scabbard）?
This is enabled by the habaki （blade collar） which is created by the katana silversmith.
The blade collar keeps the blade in place, so that it does not come into direct contact with scabbard.
The metal collar is an extension of the blade. The habaki must be created to fit each particular blade, and is also used for decorative purposes.

The Japanese Sword VOL4 Scabbard Maker

The Japanese Sword VOL4 Scabbard Maker （※YouTube MEXTch）

There are two types of scabbards: 1)Ornate types in which the base of the scabbard has either metal guards at the end of the grip (tsuba) and or ornate mountings (koshirae) 2)Plain types called shirasaya. Ornate scabbards are designed to be used when going out, whereas shirasaya scabbards are designed for home use.
This is the highest form of craftsmanship which encompasses both protecting the sword as well as making it of better use.
The scabbard is made from the wood of the Japanese Bigleaf Magnolia tree which has been naturally dried for over 10 years. This wood is low in oil content, and contains natural properties of cutting off magnetic electricity. It has just the right hardness, which helps to prevent the sword from rust.

The Japanese Sword VOL5 Scabbard Painter

The Japanese Sword VOL5 Scabbard Painter （※YouTube MEXTch）

The scabbard must be both practically strong and have a beautiful finish. Coating the scabbard with Japanese lacquer enables this. By repeatedly applying a thin coat of paint to the surface of the scabbard, it retains a strong yet beautiful finish.
Japanese lacquer is naturally water-resistant and has a dehumidifying effect. Paint is gradually applied through several coating processes to complete a beautiful finish. The entire process takes between one to three months.

The Japanese Sword VOL6 Handle Wrapper

The Japanese Sword VOL6 Handle Wrapper（※YouTube MEXTch）

The sword handle is wrapped to strengthen the grip as well as to improve its practical use.
In ancient times, the handle was wrapped with either bark from the lacquer tree or with wisteria vines.
In the Edo Period, the handle evolved to be encased in leather supported by silk thread and or water caltrop leaves.
The skin of the stingray was also used to prevent the thread from becoming loose. Just one piece of top quality skin can be retrieved from one stingray.

The Japanese Sword VOL7 Sword Engraver

The Japanese Sword VOL7 Sword Engraver（※YouTube MEXTch）

It is believed that sword engravings were a symbol of the aristocracy’s power during the Tumulus period.
After the samurai warriors gained power, the katana sword evolved into a lighter blade without compromising its initial strength. The katana further evolved to include symbols of religious beliefs such as the Fudo-myoo （Guardian of Wisdom）, Marishi-ten （Goddess of the Heavens）, Bonji （Sanskrit characters） and Kurikara-ryu （Dragon king）.
After Japan entered a time of peace during the Edo Period, engravings such as sho-chiku-bai （pine, bamboo, plum trees）, Chinese poetry and Japanese tanka poems also became popular.
At present, the art of sword engraving is recognized as a traditional Japanese art. Traditional techniques and world-class artistry are inherited by today’s craftsmen. Exquisite craftsmanship which is further added to a sword already in its complete form is three-dimensional, sensual art which brings out the sword’s beauty to its fullest.