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Insights into Japanese sword knowledge and culture
About 200 licensed smiths nationwide. The world of modern swords: preserving tradition while exploring new expression.
Chips, rust, breaks — restoration possibilities for damaged swords, and when not to restore.
Japanese swords aren't just the Gokaden. Introducing excellent provincial smiths from Satsuma, Tosa, Echizen, Kaga and more.
Sword stands, cases, lighting — a practical guide to displaying swords beautifully and safely at home.
The Sengoku era demanded mass-produced battle swords. The difference between mass blades and masterworks, and how swords were used in combat.
Etiquette when viewing someone else's sword, procedures for drawing the blade, and manners at appreciation gatherings.
The world of new swords that flourished in Osaka during the early Edo period. A comparative analysis of two master swordsmiths: Sukehiro and Shinkai.
From Kurosawa films to Star Wars. The boundary between truth and creative expression in how Japanese swords are depicted in cinema.
The nakago is a sword's resume. How to identify smiths and eras from inscriptions, file marks, and patina.
Bonhams, Christie's, domestic auctions. Merits, demerits, and precautions for purchasing Japanese swords at auction.
"Japanese swords can cut through anything." "They never break." "Muramasa is a cursed sword." The truth behind myths about Japanese swords.
Anniversaries, honors, retirement. Etiquette and selection of Japanese swords as gifts for special occasions.
