Saw a neat demonstration this afternoon

[Orrex]

I was at Horror Realm 2010 where one of the vendors deals in hand-crafted katanas (as well as other lower-end pointy things like kukris and even geek-stuff like mass-marketed light sabers). We got to chatting, and I admitted that most of what I know about katana manufacture comes from pop culture and that one show I saw on The History Channel. I mean everybody knows that they're super-sharp and that they're made by folding the metal a zillion times. I also know that true master-grade katanas can easily fetch six figures, so this fellow was clearly selling something for a different market.

He was very cool and happy to talk about the technique, and brought out one of his "bargain basement" models that sells for $200. To demonstrate its sharpness, he took one of his business cards (your standard piece of printed cardboard) and proceeded to cut the front from the back simply by sliding the blade along the length of the card. I was all set for the standard "cuts a card in half" trick, but this really knocked my socks off.

And to his credit he immediately followed up with the statement "now, imagine what the real ones are like."


Pretty nifty. But now I feel sort of bad for the Kurgan.

[AsahinaKimi]

1. If ever you are in San Francisco during March

You should come to the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Matsuri. Part of the exhibits are a display of not only newly made blades from Japan, but some rather old and historic blades. I had my family's blades on display one year, (to the ire of my father, so I have promised never again.)
http://twitpic.com/14wmq4

which is often hosted by The San Francisco Japanese Sword Society. They have some of the best collection I have ever seen. Many of the swords were brought back by American soldiers as souvenirs, or traded during Japan's occupation.

Also, There is a wonderful company on line, that sells swords that are made by master apprentices, (as Master's swords are considered a work of Art by the Japanese government, and not allowed to leave Japan.) called Bugei Trading Company. They are wonderful katana sets to have in a collection, but do tend to be rather expensive. You can find them here:

http://www.bugei.com/



Hope that helps!
Ps. Besides having possession of my fathers inheritance, I have my own set from Bugei:

[Orrex]

2. Thanks for the suggestion!

I don't know when I might get out to California, but I'll keep it in mind!

[driver8]

8. Wow -- fascinating....

Thank you for sharing this!!

I love the Lounge -- I learn so much, here!

[RandomThoughts]

3. The history channel did not speak about different size hammers.

for when the metal is at different stages of thickness. Nor a brief wait when at hottest till it is more rose color then orange, for finer work.

Ever heard of any of that?

:shrug:

[Orrex]

4. Well, I saw the episode months ago, but I'm pretty sure that different hammers were mentioned

And they also talked about the remarkable variety of sharpening implements used, including a little chip of grit smaller than a grain of rice.

[RandomThoughts]

5. ah, I didn't see that episode.

Sounds pretty interesting, such a tool could also be used for fine engraving and art work one would presume.

Is there a tradition of art work in Samurai swords?

[Orrex]

6. I have to repeat my disclaimer that my knowledge is very limited and 100% unofficial

However, I know that the creation of these blades is indeed an art form of the highest order.

For more, I'll need to defer to people who know what they're talking about. :shrug:

[AsahinaKimi]

7. in a word ..

Absolutely. Master Swords markers, of which there are few left, have been training apprentices with the hopes to save this ancient art form. All Swords made by Master swords makers, have their name engraved into the nakago, or the part where the sword is grasped. (see below)



No Master's made sword will Leave Japan unless allowed by the Prime Minister. My father had to actually smuggle his family swords out of Japan when I was 6 months old, when we went to go see my Grandmother before she died. My mother also inherited her Kimono, which may eventually be handed down to me.

[Deep13]

9. Wow. You know a lot about sharp, pointy things from Japan.

:hi:

[AsahinaKimi]

10. I know alot about

Japan and Japanese customs! Nihon no bunka ga daisuki desuyo= I love Japanese culture!

Thats me Third from the RIGHT!!

[Deep13]

11. Indeed! nt

[NV Whino]

12. I just inherited some katanas

I know nothing about them and have been looking for some info. Two sets old and two sets are new. All are beautiful.

[Orrex]

13. If I know one other thing about them, it's this: don't try to sharpen them yourself!

And don't take him to the local lawnmower blade-sharpener, either!


Congratulations on your very cool inheritance!

[NV Whino]

14. Thanks for the advice

I wouldn't even consider sharpening them myself. :rofl:

Got a Scottish basket hilt also, which is what I really wanted. The katanas are frosting on the cake.