Anatomy of a Samurai Sword. Appreciating a Katana

Summary

In this video, the host introduces a beautifully hand-forged Japanese sword made by renowned swordsmith Kunitada from the Mike province. The sword, dating back to 1992, showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the swordsmith's lineage. The host meticulously details the sword's construction, including its signature, fittings, and the unique blade pattern. He also dispels common misconceptions about the sword's fuller and emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance. The video concludes with a call to appreciate and preserve the tradition of sword-making as an heirloom.

Takeaways

• 🗡️ The sword featured is a high-quality, hand-forged Japanese sword made by the swordsmith Kunitada from the Mike province of Japan, and is considered a piece of art and a prized possession in the speaker's collection.
• 🏺 The sword is not kept at the dojo to prevent theft, emphasizing its value and the speaker's concern for its safety.
• 🔍 The script provides a detailed tutorial on how to disassemble the sword, including the removal of the makugi peg and the sire, revealing the tang with the signature of the swordsmith.
• ✍️ The tang of the sword features inscriptions in kanji that denote the swordsmith's name, the province he is from, and the date the sword was made.
• 🤺 Kunitada is a renowned swordsmith, born into the famous Komia family, known for forging wazamono, which are classified as great swords in Japan.
• 🗡️ The blade's design includes a hamon (edge badge), a bohe (fuller), and a boshi (tip shape), each contributing to the sword's balance, aesthetics, and functionality.
• 🏹 The fuller is a common misconception; it is not designed to allow air or blood to escape but rather to reduce weight and improve balance.
• 🎨 The fittings of the sword, known as koshirae, include the habakki, sepa, suba, fuchi, and kashira, each serving a specific purpose and adding to the overall craftsmanship.
• 🌊 The handle wrapping is a moto-genmai style, which is a crisscross pattern, and the tightness of the wrapping is an indicator of the sword's quality.
• 📐 The sword's dimensions and weight are provided, highlighting its lightness and balance, which are crucial for swift and effective use in combat.
• 🛡️ The scabbard, or saya, is of high quality with a speckled design called ishime, and the kojiri (butt cap) is made of iron, serving both decorative and practical purposes.

Q & A

Who is the swordsmith mentioned in the script?

The swordsmith mentioned in the script is Kunitada from the Mike province of Japan.

What is the significance of the sword being from the Mike province of Japan?

The Mike province is known for its long lineage of master swordsmiths, indicating that the sword is of high quality and part of a respected tradition.

What is the purpose of the makugi and how is it used?

The makugi is a peg that holds the tsuka (handle) in place. It is removed using a makuginoki (small hammer) to disassemble the sword for cleaning or maintenance.

What are the two sides of the sword referred to as?

The two sides of the sword are referred to as the omote side (outside) and the ura side (inside).

What is the function of the habakki in the sword's fittings?

The habakki is a small piece that encloses the base of the sword, protecting it and locking the subari (guard) in place, which is crucial for quick drawing of the sword.

What is the meaning of the signature inscriptions on the nakago (tang) of the sword?

The inscriptions on the nakago include the name of the swordsmith (Kunitada), the province he is from (Mike), and the date the sword was made.

What is the term for the blade pattern or grain?

The blade pattern or grain is referred to as the hada.

What is the purpose of the fuller (bo-hi) on the blade?

The fuller (bo-hi) is a groove carved into the blade that helps reduce weight without sacrificing durability, contributing to a lighter and faster sword.

What is the term for the edge of the blade where it meets the spine?

The edge where the blade meets the spine is called the hamon, which separates the hardened edge from the softer, tempered blade surface.

What is the significance of the sword being hand-forged?

A hand-forged sword signifies high craftsmanship and quality, as opposed to mass-produced swords, and is a mark of tradition and skill passed down through generations of swordsmiths.

What is the saya made of and what is its purpose?

The saya (scabbard) is made of high-quality wood and is designed to protect the blade when not in use, with a finish that aids in quick drawing and reassembling.