Japanese Swords

[Chris Railey]

Since my knife sales are in the toilet, I have finally slowed down enough that I may have a little time to explore Japanese Sword Making. I have always admired Japanese blades and after many years of making other blades I feel like I am at a place where I can try to learn the Japanese blade style and aesthetics. Now, I am not talking about the full on creation of Tamahagane steel and the ancient forging ways I am just talking about doing the style a little justice with my work and turning out respectable swords in more modern ways. To that end, does anybody have a suggestion on a book or two to study. I do not need as much of the spiritual content as I would like to see more modern techniques and examples. Don't worry, I am not going to grow a man bun and start wearing robes (that does not match the redneck aesthetics) I just want to learn the style and gain some experience because I admire it. Thanks

[M&J]

Wish I could offer suggestions on modern ways. I have two books: The Samurai Sword A Handbook by John M. Yumoto and The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Yoshnido Yoshihara.

[Chris Railey]

I have heard of The Craft of the Japanese Sword book. Did you like that one?

[M&J]

It is a good book. Read it many-many years back and the recall for me now is Yoshindo-san was at the Solvang show so it motivated me then to learn about the craft. As a stock removal maker their forging process is beyond me. I understand it yet a forger would be able to relay the intricacies relative to the tradition and modern.

Some of NHK's Yoshindo-san related videos:
https://youtu.be/DCYZSqEKmq0
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/o...video/4003161/