Japanese Swordsmithing

Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri (試し斬り, tameshi giri) is a cutting test performed with Japanese swords, often with a katana. In medieval Japan, sword testers, occasionally including samurai, would test new blades on the...

Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri (試し斬り, tameshi giri) is a cutting test performed with Japanese swords, often with a katana. In medieval Japan, sword testers, occasionally including samurai, would test new blades on the...

Horimono

Horimono (彫物) is a term used to describe engravings on Japanese blades. Types of Horimono Many Japanese blades are adorned with engravings for the purpose of enhancing their balance or...

Horimono

Horimono (彫物) is a term used to describe engravings on Japanese blades. Types of Horimono Many Japanese blades are adorned with engravings for the purpose of enhancing their balance or...

Wakizashi

The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指) is a traditional Japanese short sword with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters. In the case of the shorter ones, they would almost...

Wakizashi

The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指) is a traditional Japanese short sword with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters. In the case of the shorter ones, they would almost...

Tsurugi

The term "tsurugi" (剣) refers to a type of bladed weapon that was once commonly used in Japan but is now mainly associated with ancient historical times and mythology. It...

Tsurugi

The term "tsurugi" (剣) refers to a type of bladed weapon that was once commonly used in Japan but is now mainly associated with ancient historical times and mythology. It...

Tantō

The term "tantō" (短刀) refers to a straight or slightly curved, single-edged Japanese combat knife with a blade length of less than 1 shaku (303 mm). Similar forging techniques used...

Tantō

The term "tantō" (短刀) refers to a straight or slightly curved, single-edged Japanese combat knife with a blade length of less than 1 shaku (303 mm). Similar forging techniques used...

Tachi

The tachi (太刀:たち?) is a Japanese sword that is often described as slightly more curved and longer than the katana. According to Gilbertson, Oscar Ratti, and Adele Westbrook, a sword...

Tachi

The tachi (太刀:たち?) is a Japanese sword that is often described as slightly more curved and longer than the katana. According to Gilbertson, Oscar Ratti, and Adele Westbrook, a sword...