With its curved blade, the japanese Katana sword is the quintessential symbol of Japan. Its origin dates back to the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), a time of cultural flourishing and political transition in the country. Originally the weapon of choice for the samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan, the katana evolved to cater to the changing nature of warfare from mounted combat to close-quarters engagements. Its curved blade and long handle is designed to facilitate smooth, efficient cutting strokes. Moreover, its uniquely crafted form is a study in balance, blending both function and aesthetics into a single harmonious whole.
The key to the katana’s distinct curve lies in the traditional Japanese steel called Tamahagane, forged using the tatara-buki method. This is a unique forging process that achieves three highly sought after qualities in a blade; the ability not to break, not to bend and a razor sharp cutting edge.
Once the tamahagane is made, it is heated section by section and hammered into its rough shape, which takes on many of the most recognisable features of a katana including its thicker back (mune), thinner edge (ha) and curved tip (kissaki). At this stage, the smith may also stamp his name into the tang (nakago) of the sword – the ‘gimi’ or’mei’.
In addition to forming the basic shape of the blade, the smith must also strike and elongate the Mune, create a ridge line or’shinogichi’ on the edge of the ha, and cut off the tip of the blade to make it a ‘Kisaki’ or piercing point. The ‘kisaki’ has to be carefully shaped as it will determine the stabbing/piercing abilities of the sword, as a straight point will not have the same effect.