“I sometimes have to go through the hell to pursue the ultimate sword,” says master sword smith Akihira, one of roughly 10 active sword smiths and the most passionate. Unlike most of the other living sword smiths, he began honing his skills at the age of 25, after graduating from college and working some years as a salesperson.

He was bestowed the name ‘Akihira’ from his master after completing his 5-year apprenticeship. Akihira opened his own smithy immediately after gaining independence, unusual for young sword smiths. Many newly-minted sword smiths stay at their master’s place for some years as it is often difficult to find new clients. Serving as an apprentice is never easy, but through hard work Akihira was able to quickly hone his craft and draw the clients needed to Read More

The last two steps are handed to different masters.

3) Togi / polishing

The sword is passed on to a specialist for polishing. This step of the construction serves a dual purpose: to sharpen the blade and reveal its inner beauty. Polishing is a laborious process made all the more difficult by the careful use of many different grades of polishing stones. Coarse stones are used first to shape the blade. Then, progressively finer stones are used to refine the blade’s surface.

4) Shiage / fittings

The basic function of a Japanese sword mounting is the protection of the blade. However, mounting styles, koshirae, differ according to era. The preparation of a mounting requires the handiwork of several different skilled craftsmen: the scabbard maker, lacquerer, Read More