The imitating and shaping of the straight blade katana is a subtle process that significantly contributes to the functionality of the weapon. The
Japanese sword passes through a number of hands before it is considered battle-ready.
Polishing the Katana Blade
Once the forging process is done, the swordsmith polishes the blade to complete the job. This process can even take some weeks to appropriately hone the razor-sharp edge. A sequence of grating and polishing stones are used. These stones typically comprise of hard silicate particles deferred in clay. The water stones worth more than $1,000. Gradually, the clay wears away while exposing more silicate particles. This supports ideal polishing quality throughout the life cycle of the stone. Several sets of stones are used with each set consisting of fine silicate particles to remove more or less of the steel.
Hirimono and Hi
Now the ornamental grooves such as Hirimono and Hi are added to the Japanese sword. The horimono is an artifact used for aesthetic purposes and is particularly common in decorative katana. You will find a range of different designs which is completed by the swordsmith if he is proficient in this specific art. The decorative grooves of the horimono are warily placed to ensure the appropriate balance of the sword and make it an excellent choice for battle. The Hi is also called a blood groove. This addition keeps the sword lightweight while keeping its integrity. The groove can be either extended to the edge of the blade or reach all along to the tang which makes an important part of the steel that ranges into the handle of the sword.
Swordsmith Signature
The nakago is trooped to decorate a particular pattern known as yasuri. It is carved into a signature validating it to that maker. This is typically done using a chisel and hammer. The mei is written in a way facing outward and away from the body when the sword is being worn. The signature comprises the swordsmith name as well as the foresight in which it was developed. Once the process of the carving and engraving is completed, the katana blade is distributed along to a polisher who clean and sharpen the blade. It offers the details of color and texture and the entire process is completed in a few days.
Metal Work
From here, the blade is fitted with a collar or habaki which is typically made of brass, copper or iron. It helps in keeping the blade in place. The tsuba is developed by the metalsmith. This part of the straight Japanese sword separates the blade from the handle of the sword and prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade. The tsuba is also known as a cut guard as it helps to protect the swordsman’s hand from the opponent. This piece is usually constructed from iron and is decorated.
Creating the Tsuka
The handle of the straight blade katana is also known as hilt or tsuka. It is made with two pieces of wood that are imprinted into a tight fit onto the tang. The two pieces of ray skin are placed over the wood while the strips of wood are positioned at both edges of the tsuka to secure the silk braid intersection called the “ito”.
Tsukamaki
The art of covering the silk braid or “ito” around the tsuka is referred to as tsukamaki. The enfolding procedure starts with the middle of the length of the ito and placed flat on the front side of the tuska and behind the collar. The work goes down the length towards the barrel end of the tuska with the two half-lengths of the ito interweaving and overlapping. It prevents the ito from being ragged if a segment is cut. These diamond-shaped openings are typically found in the hilt design which is made using paper triangles to assist the process. The openings permit the hilt adornments to be seen. The menuki is positioned to fit in the palm for grip and meant to hide the menugi which secures the tuska to the nakago.
Conclusion
Each and every detail of the straight Janapense sword is important to the swordsman. When you have life and death on the same line, it is fair enough to say that every detail is crucial. Katana is known as the symbol of strength and beauty from the polished top of the blade, through the upsurge of the hamon and down to the ito that enfolds the handle. Each Japanese sword makes for an original piece for the craftsman and wielder who create this battle-ready weapon. To learn more about the processing of Japanese swords, give a read to
The Elucidation of Blade Properties.
