One of the most revered swords in the world, the katana is a weapon that combines art and functionality. Its beauty is unmatched by any other blade, and it can be used with deadly precision.
The katana is also said to embody the spirit of the Samurai. It is a symbol of Japanese culture and a testament to the nation’s craftsmanship. But a changing landscape threatens this ancient art. Swordsmiths are forced to compete against cheaply made blades from neighboring China. “There is no point in making a sword that looks beautiful, but cannot cut,” says Shimojima. “We try to make a sword that can do both.”
Before the samurai used the katana, they carried straight blades called chokutos. But one blacksmith noticed that the chokutos often broke when they were used in duels. He developed the katana, a blade that was both durable and deadly. The smith hardened the hard, high-carbon steel around a tougher, lower-carbon core, creating a functional curved design that allowed the blade to bend and absorb shock from a blow. This special forging process is called Hamon, and it is what makes a katana so valuable to sword connoisseurs.
After the swordsmith finishes the forging, he performs further finishing work to complete the katana. This includes polishing and etching the metal, and he also adds the Hi (a longitudinal groove that makes the blade lighter and distributes shock stress), Mekugi (fastening holes for the tsuka) and Kissaki (piercing tip). The katana is then ready for use. find out more information