The Art of the Japanese Sword - Yoshindo Yoshihara

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a lethal thrusting range. Such distinct characteristics come from the practical usefulness of these blades, combined with the personal touches imbued in them by their creator. For me, however, the Japanese sword takes everything to a higher level. There is a commitment by these smiths to create something that is so lethal that it becomes beautiful—not to mention the intriguing use of heat and steel alloys to produce a sword that is light, sturdy, and supple.

      When I first started to learn about the Japanese sword, I was fascinated by the reverence that enthusiasts showed for the blades and the swordsmiths that produced them. Smiths of ages past are revered for their sword-making skills, yet each subsequent generation seems to have produced smiths that excelled in crafting noteworthy blades.

      For a thousand years the sword seemed to evolve with Japan’s politics and fighting styles, yet it remained faithful to certain higher principles. Like fine wines that have to be produced within particular parameters that are recognized by all wine experts, the Japanese sword adheres to its own set of values. One that appeals to me most is that the sword must have practical use as a weapon. Because of this, the range of options in which to manipulate the shape, weight, and balance of the blade is very small. If there is too much tweaking or variation, the sword changes from something useful into something impractical, not only becoming useless as a weapon, but also losing its appeal as a collectible work of art. Many artists who make knives, for example, add flashy and decorative elements to make them appealing to collectors. To me, these elements detract from the essence of the knife, serving only to avoid the exploration of the true nature of the weapon. In contrast, the simplicity found in the shape of the Japanese sword reflects the commitment to continually strive for perfection.

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