Authentic Japanese swords

More than 20 years of personal contacts with individual manufacturers and with Japan as such opened the door to the proverbial 13th chamber. Of course, we carefully looked into it and from that moment a lot has changed for us. We discovered that, in addition to the breathtaking Japanese knives, which, by the way, will forever remain our priority goal, a dimension inaccessible at first glance approached us. The one we didn't even dare to dream about. We have been invited to join the most exclusive society of Japanese blacksmithing, where authentic Japanese swords are born.

Of course, this privilege did not come for free. We had to literally wring it out with many years of hard work. Gaining the trust of a Japanese person is not easy at all, but it was done finally. Of course, you need luck for something like this, so we thank Amaterasu Ómikami for her affection. We were introduced to one of the biggest names in swordsmithing. He is none other than master Kanefusa Fujiwara 25th. Are you wondering what the number behind his name means? It is the generation number of his clan. With a simple calculation, you will find that his ancestors started forging swords sometime in the Kamakura period (13th century), just like the legendary Sadamune.

From the moment of obtaining this privilege, a trip to Japan without visiting the master was simply unthinkable. We diligently absorb everything we encounter in his workshop and abode. From hizukuri to handing over the katana to the client. In the noise and heat, we flip over the pieces of kera and the tamahagane itself, the layering patterns and the ingenuity of the individual tools and devices.

In Japan, we have our own tutor, who is also our supplier, teacher and, above all, a friend. We owe it to him for being accepted into the circle of master clients. He observes with amusement our enthusiasm and effort to penetrate the issue as deeply as possible. Here and there he warns us in a fatherly manner: "Relax, the topic is so comprehensive that I, a Japanese person who has been in this field for 30 years, estimate my knowledge at the level of no more than 10% of that of the masters." However, this does not deter us from studying Japanese history, since the key is usually hidden there. We are setting ambitious goals, such 2% would be amazing...

Two years passed and the dream became a reality. We brought the first authentic Japanese sword for the client. Obtaining it and the subsequent logistics took a lot of work. However, the result of our efforts was even more fascinating. The amazing koshirae range katana with 20000 layers in shihozume composition, the Edo period accessories and the beautiful urushi saya  with maki-e decoration left us with unforgettable experiences. Evidently not only in us, as we are working on a similar one for another client.

If you are interested in this topic, you can learn more here.