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Insights into Japanese sword knowledge and culture
Fuchi-kashira are among the most closely examined fitting pairs in Japanese sword mounts. This guide explores the unity of style and theme that makes a matched set beautiful, and when intentional mismatch is an aesthetic choice.
Explore how a sword's center of gravity and blade balance affect movement in iaido and battojutsu. This guide covers grip fundamentals, reducing strain on wrists and shoulders, and how to evaluate a sword's balance before purchase.
Yamato, Yamashiro, Bizen, Soshu, and Mino — exploring the characteristics and history of the five great sword-making traditions.
Suguha, midare, choji, gunome — types of hamon and how to appreciate them, explained for beginners.
Masamune, Muramasa, Kotetsu, Osafune Kanemitsu — the lives and styles of history's greatest swordsmiths.
The history of tsuba as sword fittings, and techniques of master metalworkers: Shoami, Goto, and Yokoya Somin.
Exploring Japanese swords as assets: historical price trends, what makes a sword appreciate, risks and considerations.
Japanese sword polishing is not mere maintenance — it's an artistic technique that reveals the full beauty of jihada and hamon.
Saijo Owazamono, Owazamono, Yoki Wazamono, Wazamono — Edo-era sharpness rankings and modern assessment.
Mikazuki Munechika, Dojigiri Yasutsuna, Onimaru Kunitsuna, Odenta Mitsuyo, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu — the pinnacle of Japanese swords.
Itame, mokume, masame, ayasugi — types of jihada and appreciation tips for beginners.
False signatures, later additions, composite blades — key points for authentication and why NBTHK papers matter.