What is a sword? The story of steel that reflects the soul

What is a sword? The story of steel that reflects the soul

Japanese swords are more than just weapons. They are the crystallization of spirituality and aesthetic sense that has been passed down through the ages, and a mirror that reflects the soul of the samurai. Residing within the curved blade is the hardness and softness of the steel, as well as the prayers and pride of the people. In this article, we will explore the question "what is a sword?" through the history, evolution, and craftsmanship of Japanese swords, as well as the differences between them and blades from overseas.

The History of the Sword: From Straight Swords to Curved Swords

[Kofun period to Nara period: The era of the straight sword]

The origins of the Japanese sword date back to the Kofun period. At the time, straight swords, which were introduced from China and the Korean Peninsula, were the norm and were used for ceremonies and as burial goods. These swords were double-edged and straight, and are said to have had a stronger symbolic role than practical use.

[Heian period: the birth of the curved sword]

Around the 10th century, when mounted warfare became mainstream, a curved sword suited to slashing attacks - the tachi - appeared. Hanging from the waist, the tachi was optimized for downward slashes from horseback, and combined the beauty of its curve with functionality.

[Kamakura to Muromachi Period: Evolution of the Uchigatana]

With the rise of the samurai class, the uchigatana (long sword) appeared, a type of sword suited to actual combat. Shorter than the tachi, it was designed to be easily carried at the waist and drawn, making it suitable for infantry combat. During this period, the Gokaden (Five Schools of Swordsmithing) (Yamato, Bizen, Yamashiro, Sagami, and Mino) schools of swordsmithing were established, and techniques and artistic quality improved dramatically.

[Edo period: The sword becomes a symbol of the samurai]

In times of peace, swords changed from tools of war to symbols of spirituality. The artistic value of their mountings and blade patterns was sought after, and swords came to be treated as family heirlooms and a part of etiquette.

How to make a sword: Unbreakable, unbendable, and sharp

The making of a Japanese sword involves several dozen steps. Below is a typical flow of steps.

1. Material: Tamahagane

The material that can be said to be the lifeblood of a sword is "Tamahagane." This is refined using iron sand and charcoal in a uniquely Japanese method called "Tatara Steelmaking." It has high purity, few impurities, and is both hard and tough.

2. Reduce the water content and cut into smaller pieces

The tamahagane steel is heated, hammered out to a thickness of about 5 mm, and then cut into small pieces. Only the best quality parts are selected and used as material for the sword.

3. Turning training

By repeatedly folding and hammering the steel, impurities inside are removed and a strong structure is created. After more than 15 forging processes, tens of thousands of layers of steel are stacked, resulting in a flexible and unbreakable blade.

4. Forging and annealing

This is the process of shaping the tempered steel into the shape of a sword. The curvature and thickness of the blade are determined here, and the swordsmith's aesthetic sense is reflected.

5. Quenching and Hamon

The blade is heated to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled to increase its hardness. At this time, a temperature difference is created by applying clay, resulting in the appearance of a ripple-like pattern called the hamon. The hamon is the individuality of the sword, and is also a symbol of the swordsmith's skill and aesthetic sense.

6. Polishing and engraving

The blade is sharpened to give it a sharp edge and a beautiful luster. Finally, the swordsmith's name is engraved and the sword is complete.

Differences from overseas knives: Comparison of culture and structure

Features Japanese sword Western sword

Blade shape Single-edged/curved Double-edged/Straight

Purpose of use kill poke/hit

Blade structure Folded and forged composite structure Forged/integrated structure

spirituality Bushido/Etiquette Chivalry and Mythology

artistic quality Blade pattern and mounting Coat of arms and decorations

Japanese swords are specialized for slashing, and their curve and single-edged blade allow for smooth slashing. On the other hand, Western swords are suited to thrusting and striking, and are designed with weight and straightness in mind to penetrate armor.

Japanese swords are also deeply connected to spirituality and are used in samurai etiquette and ceremonies, while Western swords are often spoken of as legendary figures like Excalibur, symbols of chivalry and mythology.

What the Sword Says: The Fusion of Beauty and Soul

A sword is more than just a weapon. It is a fusion of techniques and spirit that have been passed down through the ages, and it reflects the pride and beliefs of its owner. The blacksmithing techniques, the samurai spirit, and the artistic value that are embodied in a single sword—all of these things make the sword a part of "culture."

Even today, Japanese swords are highly valued as works of art, and are kept in collectors and museums both in Japan and abroad. Swords depicted in anime and movies are not just weapons, but also appear as symbols of spirituality and aesthetic sense.

Conclusion: Living with the Sword

The sword is a tool for cutting, but it also has the power to move people's hearts even when not cutting. As is the case with the space and story of WABISUKE, the sword is a form of beauty that exists between "white space" and "tension," and is a cultural heritage that should be passed down through generations.

I hope this blog post will help convey the profound meaning of swords and the craftsmanship, spirituality, and cultural value behind them.