Kinda Like Origami But With Swords

A Samurai without his sword is like a lemur without freakishly-bulbous

, glow-in-the-dark eyes: Way less intimidating. But Japanese warriors didnt just cruise on down to the Nickel-and-Dime to pick up any ole sword off the rack. Samurai swords, such as the katana, were works of art that took a whole crew of craftsmen to make! Lets take a peek inside the process:

SMELTING

First, about 25 tons of iron-filled sand and charcoal are shoveled into a clay furnace called a tatara. This mixture is heated to temperatures as high as 2,500 Fahrenheit, a temperature also known as ay-chihuahua! in the minds of surprised Spanish-speakers. The iron ore is reduced to about 2 tons of steel, just the amount needed to craft a single sword this steel is referred to as tamahagane or jewel steel. This process takes three days and nights to complete!

FOLDING

Two types of tamahagane emerge from the tatara. The first is high-carbon steel, which is very hard, maximizing sharpness and slice-ability. The second is low-carbon steel, which is springier and allows for shock absorption. The best pieces are sent to a smith who begins the folding process. Folding the steel in layers draws out any impurities and disperses the carbon evenly. If any elements other than iron and carbon remain in the steel, they will weaken the blade.

SHAPING

After as many as 16 folds, the smith heats the high-carbon steel and forms it into a long, U-shaped channel. He then hammers the low-carbon steel to fit snugly inside the channel. The two metals are forged together, creating a blade with flexibility and the strength to withstand stress, so the samurai will be free to go to town on anything he wishes!

HARDENING

Next, the smith coats the sword with a mixture of clay, charcoal powder, and other ingredients to protect it. This step gives the blade its signature wavy design. The sword is heated again, then plunged into a trough of water the two types of steel cool and contract at different rates, causing the sword to curve. This stage is so delicate that as many as one in three swords are ruined.

FINAL TOUCHES

Finally, the sword is polished for as long as two weeks with grinding and polishing stones, giving it a mirror-like shine. When the blade is complete, metalworkers add a decorated guard at the hilt. The handle is often made from gold or exotic leathers and stones, making it a work of art in itself.

Once the samurai holds the completed product, it has taken 15 men and nearly 6 months to create that single sword! Better not lose that bad boy.

by: vswords

POST COMMENT

Gundecha Altura : Fresh Lifestyle Divorce Pacifica Aurum : Happier Lifestyle Top 10 Destinations In Australia, Must See! What You Can Do To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease Why Foot Care Is Important For Runners Useful Advice For Organic Gardening Have You Worked Out How Your Competitor Pricing Should Be Helping You? Some Important Benefits Of Honeybush Tea Zeekrewards Unbiased Review Ways To Make Visiting The Dentist Affordable Mobile Learning A Better Way Of Learning How Do Pressure Ulcers Develop?