The japanese katana sword is a long, single-edged blade designed for both the slashing and thrusting movements of mounted and on-foot combat. Its unique steel composition and differential heat treatment, resulting in a mixture of hard and soft metals, gives it its exceptional strength and sharpness along with flexibility and durability. The wavy line, known as the hamon, is an indication of this differential tempering process.
In this Hagane experience, witness the traditional art of sword making first hand with a skilled sword craftsman. First, watch Fusahiro forge tamahagane (gem steel/jewel steel) using a heavy hammer. Then, go hands-on and participate in hammering the tamahagane with your own sword smith’s hammer.
During this experience you will also learn about the history of the katana and the traditional martial arts, Kenjutsu, practiced by the samurai that used it. Kenjutsu is a balanced martial art that emphasizes speed, fluidity, and precise body movement. It is a safe, non-contact martial art, and practitioners train with wooden training swords (bokken).
Next, the rough shape of the sword is finished with an additional forging process called’sunobe.’ During this stage, the Mune of the Nakago is struck to elongate and reduce thickness, the Hirachi of the tang is rounded to round the back edge, and the Shinogichi is hammered out to form a ridge line on the edge of the blade. The hamon is not only a signature of the sword maker, but also helps identify the period, school and location of the sword. Best Katana