The Ethics of Polishing — Deciding When to Repolish a Sword
Japanese sword polishing is not merely cosmetic work. Togishi (polishers) use traditional stones and advanced skills to reveal blade texture, hamon, and kissaki shape, effectively performing "sword restoration and preservation." However, polishing removes metal, and once removed it cannot be replaced. Polishing thus carries contradictory aspects: restoring beauty while shortening the blade's lifespan.
Consequently, owners, polishers, and appraisers often debate whether to polish a particular sword — an ethical question, not merely a technical one. This article explores modern thinking about polishing and criteria for deciding when to repolish.
What Polishing Is — Between Cosmetics and Restoration
Japanese sword polishing has two major stages. Foundation polishing (shitaji-togi) progresses from coarse to fine stones, accurately shaping the blade's ground and hamon. Finish polishing (shiage-togi) uses traditional stones like Narutaki, Uchigumori, Hazuya, and Jizuya to draw out hamon tones and jigane landscape. Even skilled polishers require 1–3 months; fees range from hundreds of thousands of yen to millions for Important Cultural Property-class work.
Polishing is not cosmetic but restorative, returning the blade to its proper appearance. Yet each polishing slightly reduces blade width and mass. Repeated polishing erodes even great masterpieces over time.
Criteria for Deciding Whether to Polish
When considering whether to polish an owned sword, weigh these points.
### 1. Severity of Rust
Light rust or clouding can be addressed by routine care (uchiko and oil). Deeper rust obscuring hamon and jigane observation warrants considering polishing. However, rust reaching structural depth may leave traces even after polishing.
### 2. Time Since Last Polish
Recently polished blades rarely need repolishing. Each polish removes a fraction of a millimeter to a full millimeter, so frequent polishing should be avoided. With proper routine care, polishing once every few decades is generally sufficient.
### 3. Cultural Property Value
Important Cultural Property or Important Art Objects require especially careful judgment. These are cultural heritage for future generations, not mere personal possessions. Consultation with cultural affairs agencies, specialist organizations, and renowned polishers is essential.
### 4. Purpose After Polishing
