Question on the composition of Japanese Swords

[Martin]

Hi all,

 

I´ve read, that not all swords - especially Tanto - constist of a soft Core-steel (Shingane) and a harder "Jacket"-steel (Kawagane).

As the purpose was to combine the positive features of both kinds of steel - is it true that only swords of a certain length are built up this way (by combining multiple steel types)? And would all Hirazukuri Wakizashi, Tanto etc. then constist of a single type of steel?

 

Just a few thoughts of a newbie... :?

 

cheers,

Martin

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

I have a hirazukuri Tanto that's so tired to begin exposing Shingane.

So, there is at least *one* hirazukuri Tanto "jacketed"...

[Darcy]

Correct, not all swords are made in this way, some are one piece construction.

 

It's usually not possible to know unless you want to dissect the sword.

 

I have a couple of tanto that are polished down but fully beautiful and you can see they are one piece construction as a result.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Correct, not all swords are made in this way, some are one piece construction.

 

It's usually not possible to know unless you want to dissect the sword.

 

I have a couple of tanto that are polished down but fully beautiful and you can see they are one piece construction as a result.

 

Hi Darcy. You know the Tanto I was referring to.

I wonder about Jumonji. Is such a complex geometry suitable for

Makuri or similar building ? Or are they all made without shingane ?

Have you ever seen an overpolished Jumonji with exposed Shingane ?

[Martin]

Hi all,

 

is there maybe some sort of rule that the use of multiple steel types increases with the sword quality the smith wanted to achieve?

Or was it more a practical decision that smaller blades are simply not in a need for multiple steel construction?

 

cheers,

Martin