Kofun Jidai (c. 250–538) relic swords polished

[PNSSHOGUN]

Thought others may find this interesting as often these are in full relic condition. I imagine it would've been quite hard for the Togishi to achieve:

 

[lonely panet]

wow theres still a homen to be seen. 

[Brian]

Stunning! Love the way they sealed the pits with lacquer. Really interesting features to be seen. Lots of hamon, and full muneyaki too?

[ChrisW]

These are fantastic. Thank you for finding and sharing this!

[AndrewA]

Love it.Thanks for sharing.

[ChrisW]

I've watched these all several times by this point. Truly extraordinary pieces.

[ribendao]

Does this sword have a hamon? If so, when did they start adding hamon to swords in Japan? I was under the impression that swords during the Heian period and earlier were either imported or copied from China. If this is the case, then can we infer that the Chinese were also adding hamon on their swords during this time or was this strictly a Japanese technique? If the Chinese were doing this, then why don't we see hamon on Chinese edged weapons?

 

[ChrisW]

From what I can tell, they have some form of hamon. And I believe I read somewhere that yes, the early Chinese swords of this period also had hamon. I imagine the technique fell out of favor with them, as they usually went for quicker methods of mass production.

[DoTanuki yokai]

I think differentially hardening where done in every steel working culture as it could also happen by accident on the thinner edge.

[Dave R]

I have seen this done with Saxon and Viking blades, with similar results.