Japanese blacksmiths have unique ways of making a variety of swords. They do particular heating, smelting, and purification before forming a new blade. Forging a traditional samurai sword [Katana] with conventional methods and techniques can take weeks to months.
If you intend to simulate the Japanese samurai sword, here is a step by step guide that can make the process easy and less stressful.
Step 1: Construct A Furnace
The creation of samurai requires the construction of a unique furnace called Tatara. This new furnace is because of the need for extended heating and higher temperature. A Tatara looks like the clay blast furnace that is capable of burning charcoal and iron for three days and three nights.
Step 2: Heat The Steel
The steel used in the forging samurai sword is heated over an extended period at high temperatures. This procedure is to ensure that the iron blends with the added charcoal to produce steel. It also help to ensure great functionality known as the Tamahagane or steel jewel. This procedure also helps to remove the impurities in the original steel.
Step 3: Beat Steel To Gain Dimension
At this stage, you should cut the resulting end of the heating procedure. The steel will only form cubes or rounded balls, and that is the best time to beat it to the desired dimension. At this point, the plank should be created into four sizes to make it suitable for the creation of a samurai sword.
Step 4: Create The Blade And The Handle
Creating an handle is the next step while forging a samurai sword. after the heating and purification processes. It is to beat out the handle and the blade. This stage can be very flexible, depending on what you want to create. The samurai swords can take several dimensions, but the most important thing is deciding the precise shape, length, as well as differentiating the edge from the blunt part of the blade. You should also work on the tip of the blade at this point. You don’t have to worry about the purity and malleability of your heated steel because of the high temperature.
Step 5: Create Suitable Handle
this is quite straightforward with no complications but one of the most essential steps in forging a samurai sword. The design and rivet type of the handle is left at the discretion of the swordsmith. You must, however, ensure that the length of the handle is well proportional to the length of the blade.
Step 6: Polishing
The polishing can be done either by the blacksmith already working on the project or given to other blacksmiths specialized in polishing. The polishing process can also take weeks to months, and it begins with files and ends with sandpaper rubbed down the edge of the blade with patience. The end product of the samurai sword should give a sword with a flexible and a side that is as hard as diamond.
Conclusion
Most swordsmiths shy away from forging a samurai sword because of the difficult and time taking procedures involved. However, the outcome is usually worth a sword with a unique craft, flexible body, and a blade as hard as diamond.