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Einblicke in das Wissen über japanische Schwerter und die Kultur
A systematic classification of naginata types by form, period, and use: the ko-naginata of Heian through Muromachi, conversion to swords through suriage (shortening), the rise of women's naginata in the Edo period, and the significance of naginata-naoshi as a distinct sword type.
Sword culture in the Nara and Heian courts: the ceremonial swords and Tang-style fittings in the Shoso-in, sword-carrying regulations under the ritsuryo legal system, the symbolic role of swords in aristocratic culture, and the evolution of combat swords up to the rise of the warrior class in the late Heian period.
A realistic look at modern swordsmith apprenticeship in Japan. Covers finding a master, the daily life of live-in and commuting apprentices, the realities of pay and working conditions, the 5–7 year training timeline, preparation for the certification exam, and the business challenges faced after independence.
A practical guide to buying nihonto at auction: research methods before bidding, what to check at preview, factors that drive hammer prices (provenance, accessories, NBTHK ranking), and the specifics of online bidding.
An explanation of sori—the characteristic curvature of the Japanese sword—covering its physical origin and functional significance. Details the mechanism by which thermal stress during quenching produces the curve, the naming and measurement system for all major blade dimensions (hachō, motohaba, sakihaba, etc.), and the three types of sori and their optimal applications.
A comprehensive practical guide for Japanese sword collectors on proper storage and maintenance, covering uchiko powder, clove oil, optimal storage conditions, sword bags, and display stands.
Everything a first-time nihonto collector needs to know: budget tiers, suitable sword types for beginners, verifying registration certificates, finding reputable dealers and auctions, and criteria for choosing your first sword.
A practical legal guide to exporting Japanese swords: restrictions under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, export procedures for antique and modern blades, customs declarations, and compliance with weapons export regulations.
An explanation of the process and scientific significance of orikaeshi tanren (repeated forge folding), the core technique in nihonto production. Covers the mechanisms of impurity removal, carbon homogenization, and fiber structure formation; the relationship between folding count and grain structure; the lamination of kawagane and shingane; and the formation principles behind the four main jihada patterns.
An exploration of the craftsmen who specialize in the metal fittings that make up a sword's koshirae (mounting). Covers the technical systems and production processes of craftsmen who make the habaki (blade collar), koiguchi (scabbard mouth), tsuba (guard), menuki (grip ornaments), and kozuka (utility knife), along with the modern supply-demand situation and training challenges.
An explanation of yaki-ire (quenching), the most important step in creating the hamon—the defining feature of Japanese swords. Covers the full process from tuchi-oki (clay application) to water quenching, the science of martensitic transformation, hamon types (suguha, gunome, choji, notare, etc.) and their school associations, and the risks of quenching failure.
What every nihonto collector needs to know about fine art insurance and appraisal: movable property insurance, fine art policies, how appraisal values are determined, and coverage gaps for fire, theft, and earthquake risks.
