#STRAIGHT KATANA SKIN#

The enfolding procedure starts with the middle of the length of the ito and placed flat on the front side of the tuska and behind the collar. The art of covering the silk braid or “ito” around the tsuka is referred to as tsukamaki.

#STRAIGHT KATANA SKIN#

The two pieces of ray skin are placed over the wood while the strips of wood are positioned at both edges of the tsuka to secure the silk braid intersection called the “ito”. It is made with two pieces of wood that are imprinted into a tight fit onto the tang. The handle of the straight blade katana is also known as hilt or tsuka. This piece is usually constructed from iron and is decorated. The tsuba is also known as a cut guard as it helps to protect the swordsman’s hand from the opponent. This part of the straight Japanese sword separates the blade from the handle of the sword and prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade. The tsuba is developed by the metalsmith. Metal Workįrom here, the blade is fitted with a collar or habaki which is typically made of brass, copper or iron. It offers the details of color and texture and the entire process is completed in a few days. Once the process of the carving and engraving is completed, the katana blade is distributed along to a polisher who clean and sharpen the blade. The signature comprises the swordsmith name as well as the foresight in which it was developed.

The mei is written in a way facing outward and away from the body when the sword is being worn. This is typically done using a chisel and hammer. It is carved into a signature validating it to that maker. The nakago is trooped to decorate a particular pattern known as yasuri. The groove can be either extended to the edge of the blade or reach all along to the tang which makes an important part of the steel that ranges into the handle of the sword. This addition keeps the sword lightweight while keeping its integrity. The decorative grooves of the horimono are warily placed to ensure the appropriate balance of the sword and make it an excellent choice for battle. You will find a range of different designs which is completed by the swordsmith if he is proficient in this specific art. The horimono is an artifact used for aesthetic purposes and is particularly common in decorative katana.

Now the ornamental grooves such as Hirimono and Hi are added to the Japanese sword. Several sets of stones are used with each set consisting of fine silicate particles to remove more or less of the steel.

This supports ideal polishing quality throughout the life cycle of the stone. Gradually, the clay wears away while exposing more silicate particles. These stones typically comprise of hard silicate particles deferred in clay. A sequence of grating and polishing stones are used. This process can even take some weeks to appropriately hone the razor-sharp edge. Once the forging process is done, the swordsmith polishes the blade to complete the job. The Japanese sword passes through a number of hands before it is considered battle-ready. The imitating and shaping of the straight blade katana is a subtle process that significantly contributes to the functionality of the weapon.

Straight katana