Navigating the world of Japanese swords and the related terminology can oftentimes be confusing. You may see terms like bo-hi, no-hi, or fatasuji-hi but what do all these mean in terms of sword function and appearance? A “bo-hi” is the Japanese name for the grove that runs along a blade, with the bo-hi being the […]
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Katana Guide: The Geometric Yokote
The geometric yokote is a distinctive feature found on the Shinogi Zukuri profile of katanas. But what exactly is it? Does it make a distinct difference in the performance of the katana or is it simply cosmetic? Here we take a deeper look at the yokote, how it is created by the polisher, what its […]
Read MoreJapanese Blades: Geometric Blade Profiles
As you scroll through pages and pages of different Japanese swords online, the terminology can often be overwhelming. This is especially true for those new to swords. Chances are the term “blade geometry” has popped up a few times, but what does it really mean? What are the different geometric blade profiles common in Japanese […]
Read MoreJapanese Blades: What is the Niku?
When it comes to Japanese swords such as the katana, you are likely to encounter a lot of Japanese terminology to describe different parts of the sword. One such term, the niku, is often talked about when it comes to discussions about geometric blade profile, cutting, and durability. Here we take a closer look at […]
Read MoreAn In-Depth Look at the Hamon
When talking about Japanese blades, such as the katana, you often hear people talking about the “hamon.” This visual point is a common characteristic found in authentic and traditional Japanese swords, but it is much more than a simple element of beauty. To better understand the hamon, we look closely at its history, how they […]
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