I. Choosing a Japanese Sword...

The Japanese sword, shrouded in myth, is coveted by collectors and practitioners alike.  For some of us, the sword becomes a passion and there is always something more to learn. The process to commissioning our very own sword can be daunting.

Let's start with who we are and what we do:

SwordStore.com works with some of Japan's finest smiths (Toshyo).  These toshyo undergo strict apprenticeships and must not only master their crafts but be licensed by the Japanese government to make their traditional swords.

Each smith is an artist, often a master of many styles or schools of sword making (Ryuha).  But each smith has his own style, form of self expression and every work is a unique creation of form, function and art.  

Pictured here is a private reserve of a smith's tamahagane or iron sand.  It is the main component used in making the the traditional carbon steel blade.

Many smiths obtain this material from Japan's only tatara.  Some smiths maintain their own secret sources and some go so far as to keep it hidden below the floorboards of their own homes. 

We've all marveled at photos of fine blades. An entire language has formed around describing what exists within a blade being viewed.  There is excitement in the fact that every blade is different.  Regardless of the toshyo's masterful skills, the moulten steel, the color of the fire, the application of the clays, always dance together to become something unique.  Clients might want something duplicated from an image or a blade that they've viewed, and often the smith can approximate, but never duplicate a blade that has come before.

We will ask you about your purpose for commissioning a fine Japanese blade.  Whether you are a collector or wish to start collecting, a practitioner in training, we can help you define your needs and bring your dream project to life.

Let's start with blade geometry with is defined by shape and character.  Some smiths prefer to make longer or shorter, lighter or more substantial blades.  All have preferences about the activity seen in the steel, the curvature (sorii) of the blade and shape of the point (boshi or kissaki).