Katana: A Backstory

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Amongst the deepest trenches and caverns does not lie the secret to the sharpest sword, it is found among those whose passion for it is still set ablaze. Sadly, this art form is slowly dying as they have shifted from requirements to an object of reverence, sword enthusiasts have somewhat kept this tradition alive in the glimmering hope that someday it might get the recognition it deserves. Since every art form needs patrons, let's ensure this survives for future generations!

Katana: What is it?

A Katana[ kata("one-sided") + na ("blade")] is a one-sided blade that has been a part of the Japanese Culture since the Ashikaga era, In the modern era, they symbolize peace and is considered a sacred object, it embodies the spirit of a samurai and by extension, regarded as his soul.

The making of one involves intricately folding several layers of steel through continuous hammering. This process has remained relatively unchanged for over a thousand years. Though they may not be as effective as other weapons, they are seen as divine artifacts that reflect the pride and joy of the owner.

The different components of the sword have their symbolic significance:

1.   The Blade: represents the element of earth, emphasizing the foundational importance.

2.   The Handle(tsuka): Symbolizes the samurai's grip on their values and discipline.

3.   The Guard (tsuba): Stands for protection and Balance.

4.   The Scabbard (saya): signifies peace and restraint.

Its Role in the Modern Japanese Society.

Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the abolition of the samurai class has led to significant changes.

The prohibition of carrying swords in public led to a steadfast decline in sword making and instead led to a shift towards preserving and restoring historical katanas. It still holds significant importance in modern martial arts such as iaido and kendo and is influential in Japanese design and art.

Why become a Swordsmith?

"When I cut charcoal, my hands dry up, my palms become rough, and my room is always dark with charcoal, In the beginning, I wanted to run away" ~ a disciple of a swordsmith in an interview

Japanese swordsmithing is a labor-intensive, life-stripping job that requires thousands of hours in the foundry and it's not very

glamorous, so what drives these people to become a swordsmith? It's simply the admiration for the work, the intricate details that are involved in swordsmithing that could never be captured on paper, their gentle & serene approach to life among the mountains, far away from society's standards, so passionately working towards their goals, drawing inspiration from the beauty around them, is what draws people towards the profession, and it's worth embodying for a tranquil life.

"in school, they tell you to work two or three times as hard as others, but here, my master tells me to avoid setting goals too high or I will become tired...you should set your goals to a level that's a bit higher than where you are so that you can keep it in sight and keep improving". ~ An interaction between the disciple and the swordsmith.

The Actual Making of the Blade.

Traditional techniques used in forging a katana involve several meticulous steps. These include smelting iron sand and charcoal in a tatara furnace for several days to produce "Tamahagane "(Jewel steel), a high-carbon steel known for its purity. The steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and folded to remove impurities and create a strong, flexible blade. The steel is sorted by carbon content; high-carbon steel is used for the cutting edge and low-carbon steel for the spine. The sword is differentially hardened by applying clay of varying thicknesses to the blade before heating and quenching it in water. This process creates a hard edge and a softer spine, forming the unique "Hamon" pattern. The final steps include meticulous polishing using a series of grinding stones to sharpen the blade and bring out its luster. The katana is then assembled with various components and undergoes thorough inspection and testing to ensure quality.

Katana and Zen-Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism and the art of Swordsmanship are closely linked to each other. Being the 4th largest sect in Japan, it aims to attain enlightenment with acts of selflessness, and letting go of the ego, which is reflected in the precise and deliberate movements in swordplay. The concept of 'mushin' (no mind), where you act without conscious thought, is the broad philosophical aspect of the katana within the Japanese culture.

With all this said, there is art in everything if done passionately enough, becoming a professional at something means understanding the depth of every minute step involved, " Why does everything turn out the way it does? " the more you try to answer each step of the process, the more you get drawn in.