Cutting Edge

Explore some of the traditional options available when commissioning a fine custom Japanese sword: Shirasaya, Koshirae, Tsunagi, Polish, Boshi, Hi, Hamon, Horimono, Habaki, and Oshigata offer you the power of choice.

Choosing the right smith means determining what you want the sword for and what you want the sword to have as design elements from blade geometry, weight, groove, curvature, tip style, steel pattern and so much more...  LET'S DISCUSS!!!

An introduction to pursuing the acquisition of a fine Japanese sword.

There are so many terms in the marketplace today and for some, confusing and misusing the terms makes it more difficult for the rest of us.  I for example do not believe that a blade that is made outside of Japan should ever be called a shinken or "pure blade".  This is a Japanese word that more than infers that the blade in question is of Japanese origin.

Raw materials shortage and marketing pressures place fine Japanese blades at risk.

Think in terms of “combative Darwinism” - as technology and tactics improved, weapons changed to face the new realities or battles and wars were lost. Even the Japanese warrior came to understand that the sword was not mightier than the bullet.