The Japanese Sword

TRADITIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS OF JAPAN:

UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE SWORDS

Nihonto (Japanese Sword) is the term used for swords made using an indigenous manufacturing process that is unique to Japan. The shape of the blade has changed according to the demands of the period and warfare methods. The most significant change in styles was during the Muromachi period (1393-1569) when the tachi (a long sword worn with the cutting edge facing downwards slung from the hip) was replaced by the katana (a long sword worn with the cutting edge uppermost and thrust through the sash). A typical Japanese sword is made from a traditionally produced steel called tamahagane. They are commonly a single edged curved blade, with a ridgeline (shinogi) running the length of the blade. This type of manufacture has existed since the late Heian period (794-1185). However, the Japanese sword is not merely a highly effective weapon, it is also considered a beautiful art object, a symbol of authority and honor, a treasured offering to the gods of Japan, and was presented as elite gifts among the nobility.

THE UNIQUE FOLD-FORGING PROCESS

One of the key processes in the manufacture of Japanese swords is the fold-forging of the steel. The steel block is heated, hammered and stretched out. Then an incision is made, and the block is then folded in half. This process is repeated a number of times. This folding process helps to remove some of the remaining impurities, while evenly distributing the carbon and other elements throughout the steel. The resulting layers (1 fold = 2 layers, 2 folds = 4 layers, 15 folds = 32,768 layers) produce a beautiful wood grain like pattern in the surface of the steel called jihada. The outer steel (kawagane) is then wrapped around a softer core (shingane) and then hammered out into the shape of the blade. The softer core-steel gives the blade a degree of flexibility so as to resist bending or breaking on impact. A typical Japanese sword is made from a traditionally produced steel called tamahagane. They are commonly a single edged curved blade, with a ridgeline (shinogi) running the length of the blade. This type of manufacture has existed since the late Heian period (794-1185). However, the Japanese sword is not merely a highly effective weapon, it is also considered a beautiful art object, a symbol of authority and honor, a treasured offering to the gods of Japan, and was presented as elite gifts among the nobility.

THE JAPANESE SWORD IS A COLLABORATION OF MANY ARTISANS

Japanese swords are completed via a combination of the finest traditional arts and crafts. A blade requires a casing to not only protect the owner from injury, but also the blade from damage. A complete set of mountings for a Japanese sword made utilizing these various traditional arts and crafts are called, koshirae.

Swordsmith

A licensed swordsmith who makes the blade from the raw materials (tamahagane).

Togishi

A sword polisher (togishi) who sharpens and brings out the beauty of the steel.

Shirogane-shi

A habaki maker (shirogane-shi). Every blade requires a custom-made collar (habaki) at the base of the blade.

kinko-shi

A fittings maker (kinko-shi). The kinko-shi not only makes fittings, but can also make decorative carvings in the surface of the blade.

Saya-shi

A scabbard maker (saya-shi). There are two type of scabbard, a plain wooden sleeping scabbard called a shirasaya, and a functional scabbard as part of the koshirae.

Tsukamaki-shi

A hilt wrapper (tsukamaki-shi). This craftsman wraps the hilt with leather or silk cord in traditional styles to reinforce the hilt and enhance the grip.

Nu-shi

A lacquerer (nu-shi). Scabbards are coated in traditional urushi lacquer to protect the wood from the elements. They can also be decorated with techniques such as maki-e.

THE FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY OF JAPANESE SWORDS

Originally straight swords were imported to Japan from the Asian continent, but somewhere between the 3rd and 6th centuries they began to be made domestically. Then, around the mid-Heian period curvature began to be added to blades, eventually resulting in the perfected Japanese sword around the mid 10th C.
One theory is that the curvature was added to the blade for ease of drawing while on horseback. Their elegant appearance, which is part of the reason that Japanese swords are regarded as consummate works of steel art, is a result of the pursuit of functionality. Therefore, it can be said that Japanese swords are the ultimate form of functional beauty. Born from the desire for the perfect weapon.