Authentic Nihonto and Japanese Katana

Authentic Japanese swords are true masterpieces, created with attention to the smallest details. Although some sellers may try to convince you otherwise with modern mass-produced katana, thorough research will quickly lead to the conclusion that these often come nowhere near an authentic Japanese sword. Even though there are similarities with forges that produce katana on a large scale, mainly in China, it is impossible to compare these swords in terms of detail, spiritual value, cultural significance and artistic quality. In the Western world, interest in Japanese katana has increased and the demand to purchase an authentic Nihonto has slowly risen. Once one begins to recognize the true beauty and perfection involved in forging a unique katana, the fascination only continues to grow. Due to my background in Budo (karate and iaido), my personal interest has steadily increased and I must conclude that I have become quite addicted to collecting Nihonto. I continue to expand my knowledge of Nihonto, as this is an ongoing process in which new insights are constantly discovered. One of the most beautiful aspects is that I sometimes have the opportunity to temporarily enjoy a Nihonto before offering it for sale.

The soul of the samurai|

The reason we are still able to admire these magnificent works of art today is because Nihonto were passed down from generation to generation in Japan. The katana was regarded as the soul of the Samurai and the connection between the katana and the samurai was profound. In essence, it was a matter of life and death for the bearer, which explains the great respect with which the sword was treated.

Weapons of the samurai

The samurai also had other weapons at their disposal, such as the bow, spear, wakizashi and tanto. The katana received the most spiritual significance because it was the samurai’s most personal weapon, while the bow was primarily used for long-distance combat. Combined with the exceptional quality of the swords, it is also important to note that throughout a large part of Japanese history, only samurai were permitted to carry a katana.

History of Nihonto

I will now briefly explain some tips and basic terms that are often used when discussing Nihonto. Although most scholars agree that the origins of the katana came from China through Korea to Japan, sword forging reached unparalleled heights only in Japan due to various factors such as raw materials, philosophy and social structure. Blades were forged in different periods, each with their own distinctive characteristics. One of the most important aspects is the location where the raw materials were sourced. Other factors also play a role, such as the style and shape of the blades.

Periods of Japanese swords

Jokoto (pre 987 AD)
Koto (987–1596 AD)
Shinto (1597–1760 AD)
Shinshinto (1760–1876 AD)
Gendaito (approximately 1877–1945 AD)
Shinsakuto (approximately 1946 AD – present)

For now, I will limit this overview to the Koto, Shinto and Shinshinto periods to avoid excessive detail. Until around 1600, the iron sand used to produce tamahagane was sourced locally and used to forge katana. This era is known as the Koto or old sword period. It is closely connected to the fighting styles of the time, as combat was often conducted on horseback, making the tachi the preferred weapon, worn with the cutting edge facing downward. The invention of the tachi belongs to this period. Around 1600, the Shinto period began. Shinto literally means new sword. During this time, the katana replaced the tachi and the wakizashi was introduced. This was a period of relative peace, which allowed raw materials to be exchanged between regions. Around 1800, the Shinshinto period began and ended with the Meiji era. This period was characterized by a newer katana style compared to the more traditional Shinto style, and these swords were forged within the Gokaden, the five schools.

Below an Edo Wakizashi 

Decline and preservation of swordsmithing

In 1876, carrying weapons in public was prohibited. With the disappearance of the samurai class and this ban, the art of swordsmithing rapidly declined. The period in which a Nihonto was forged is often mentioned when evaluating a sword, as it reveals specific characteristics. Fortunately, a number of swordsmiths survived this decline, and thanks to them, highly skilled swordsmiths still exist today.

Forging process and polishing

Almost as important as forging the blade itself is the polishing process, which involves highly complex and refined techniques. Naturally, all Nihonto are hand-forged from tamahagane, which is produced in a tatara furnace from satetsu, or iron sand. The tamahagane is hand-forged, folded and later differentially hardened. These techniques give the blade a unique surface with various structures known as jihada. The overall structure and color of the blade is referred to as jitetsu. The most important and easily recognizable jihada patterns are masame, itame and mokume.

Hamon and finishing

The hand-forged blade is coated with clay according to a secret formula and then heated to a high temperature. The crucial moment is yaki-ire, during which the blade is quenched in water. This process creates the hamon along the cutting edge, which greatly determines the blade’s aesthetic appeal. After this stage, the blade is polished using Japanese stones, revealing the craftsmanship achieved by the swordsmith.

Evaluating a genuine katana

A katana is best evaluated under proper lighting conditions, allowing the jihada, jitetsu, hamon and boshi to be clearly visible. As your knowledge progresses, you will begin to recognize hataraki, the activity within the hamon. A high-quality polish ensures that these details are visible and acts like a magnifying glass within the steel. The nakago, with any accompanying mei, is an important indicator of age and origin. Artificially induced rust may indicate a counterfeit piece.

Daisho and use

The katana was often worn together with a wakizashi, collectively known as a daisho. The samurai Miyamoto Musashi utilized a two-sword technique called nito ichi and never lost a duel. As not everyone can afford an authentic Japanese katana, I also offer katana by Hanwei, which are forged using a more large-scale production process.