Japanese sword making is a tradition that goes back centuries, and one that's carried on to this day. Each sword take dedication, skill and can take over 18 months to create. The resulting blades ...

Katana-makers use two types of tamahagane: high-carbon, which is very hard and allows for a razor-sharp edge, and low-carbon, which is very tough and allows for shock absorption. A sword composed ...

KUNIYUKI (Rai)) Ancient sword-making techniques were passed down only among artisans, and are now shrouded in mystery Over a history stretching back more than a millennium, countless expert ...

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An curved arrow pointing right. Hirakawa Yasuhiro is a master blacksmith for Sasuke in Sakai, Japan, who forges scissors with techniques that were used to make swords, knives, and weapons.

The collection allows stylistic comparison of the five major sword making regions of Japan known as the “gokaden” (literally, “five traditions”), or the provinces of Yamato (today’s Nara ...