I agree with you John, this is a facinating subject. Several years ago, I saw a TV program (possibly PBS) about Japanese sword making. It reinacted the actual process including the smith wearing the traditional garmets, showing him using a forge and hammering and folding the steel over and over, applying clay, etc. The program indicated there was a ritual or ceremony associated with the crafting of the blade, each step being followed precisely according to the ceremony. It involved pouring water from a pot onto the metal (I believe) at various stages of the process and was very serious business. I have learned subsequently that the smith would darken the smithy and lock out everyone (especially women) when the quenching was to be done. I have always wanted to see that program again. I wonder if anyone in this forum knows about the film.
Then there is the whole subject polishing, furnishing- wow to me the high cost of these blades is a small thing when you consider what went into the making.
