Ooh Look! Shiny!

[SAS]

When I was an apprentice carpenter, we started out with handsaws.....once we mastered those, they let us try power saws...  Still, once metal is gone, it can't be put back. (old carpenter joke.....he cut the board 3 times and it is STILL too short!)

[BenVK]

There is another subject I want to comment on. The foundation polish is the basis for all other steps of polishing, but the shape is formed by the smith himself who does the first steps with a file, a SEN and some relatively coarse stones. After this treatment, the HAMON is - at least slightly - visible and the shape is given to a very high degree. NIKU and MUNE are clearly formed, KISSAKI, SHINOGI and SORI are defined, all lines are sharp.

 

I would guess it depends on the smith doesn't it? some might take the blade to a higher degree of finish before handing it to the togishi than others.

[SAS]

And some smiths polish their own swords, both in Japan and abroad.

[BenVK]

Absolutely Steve but what truly worries me is that certain members here seem to be advocating that only a Japanese trained polisher will suffice.

I'm just an amateur collector with an interest in polishing but after reading this thread and viewing the photos, I would argue that being Japanese or being trained in Japan is no guarantee of being a skilled togishi.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/12772-sword-polishing-service-in-Japan/

[lonely panet]

your opening a can of 'Hell Worms' with that comment.

 

to not be trained by a Togi, not trained tradionially in Japan!!! the result will be a watering down of a very historical and traditional art/craft.

 

maybe a Togi should be the one to comment