Secrets of the Samurai Sword
It has been said that the samurai’s sword was his soul. Perhaps this deep attachment had something to do with the perfect melding of form and function found in the katana, as the famous curved sword is known in Japan. Invented a millennium ago, the katana remains a marvel of aesthetic beauty and skillful engineering. While most bladed weapons over the centuries were designed to either pierce or slash, the katana’s two different types of steel gave it optimum qualities for both, making it a highly versatile weapon in battle. In this slide show, follow the steps that a master Japanese swordsmith takes today to craft what is arguably the most legendary of swords.—Rima Chaddha and Audrey Resutek
Learn the secrets of the Samurai Sword…
I am disappointed to continue seeing documentaries on Japanese swords, while European swords are completely ignored. The technique of pattern welding that the Japanese swordmaster uses to create a katana were independently discovered by the Celts of western Europe prior to the Roman invasions. Indeed, Japanese swords are incredibly beautiful and effective in combat. But so are European swords. Let’s see some more focus on Europe, hmm?