The Swordswoman

~E~

Speaking of Japan, Al and I happened to catch a show on PBS last night about Samurai and swords. One of the main Samurai they interviewed was a woman whose father has been teaching her The Way of the Samurai.

They also demonstrated how Samurai swords are crafted. Each sword takes six months and a lot of work from start to finish, some if it very delicate. I learned how the swords get their curve which was THE COOLEST! and if you ask me, I'll share the secret. I also learned how the swords get the lovely patterns on the blade of light/dark metal; before the final firing, the swordmaker 'paints' the blade with some sort of clay. When it comes through in one piece, as it does hopefully at least 2/3 of the time, that pattern is permanently set in the metal.

In earlier times, they would test the strength of the blade on convicts. For example, if someone had stolen something, they'd test the sword by cutting off their arm. They preferred testing it on real live people as that is how they were meant to be used.



Neat show, a bit slow at times, but catch it if you see that it's on!

Linky

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