Do you have any other questions about the katana?? Feel free to give me a comment here, or a DM through Instagram! ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ ua-cam.com/channels/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.htmljoin ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ ua-cam.com/channels/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA.html ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） Thank you again very much for watching!
@Andrian Clintton Garcia Japanese smiths are required by law to make swords with tamahagane steel. If you want something made out of tungsten maybe try closer to home, the Philippines has some excellent swordsmiths.
If the term Katana is inaccurate when referring to katana-like swords that fall outside the definition of Katana, is the term Samurai Sword appropriate for such swords?
If a Japanese Swordsmith apprentice applies for the test and fail, does the Swordsmith have to take the exam again in the same year, or the next year? Or it will have to wait again for 5 years?
besides, new generations for practical reason don't want to dedicate their lives being swordsmith, but rather have a regular jobs, besides, you need to own a land, tools and resources, probably some younger generation of Japanese can become swordsmith if they happen to be a child of a swordsmith
Is the food grade clove oil available for medicinal purposes suitable for use in katana maintenance? I know that choji has clove oil as a component, with mineral oil making up most of it. I have been using what in America is called "baby oil" or light machine oil (such as that used for sewing machines) because choji is expensive, but would like to make my own choji. Are there any harmful (to the sword) additives to watch out for in commercially available clove oil?
more like a monopoly, it's like a legal fishing job. x years in the craft under a licensed individual as an apprentice (who will not take people into the job to keep their own profits up) you can work for a fisherman without satisfying that requirement btw take an exam. gather all legal fees and materials to preform job most of the time you will see these sorts of professions being handed down to children and their lovers after marriage. and maybe a few close friends and the materials to do said job will be given to those who took a decent interest in the job even if it's not the kid
And that's just one of the reasons Katanas are so special. Shame there is no sponsorship or scholarship for all these arts. It would be criminal to let them die out. Thank you Shogo for bringing this subject and so many others into the light. Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate
Much respect...and as I agree with you that Japanese made swords are and will always be the real deal, and should be respected...you can't say that Chinese made or others ect... that are not made in tamahagane are not katana...the need for using tamahagane method is absolete with the superior quality of steel in modern day...there is alot of crap that should not hold the name katana...but there are quality forges outside of Japan that do make quality Katana..and deserve the right to hold the name...I understand your belief and opinions and respect it...but times are different my friend....call them katana replicas if you like but they are Katana to me especially the forges I respect, review and use
In Switzerland, one can own katana without a permit, but you need a special permit to own a sai (kobudo weapon). So I have to practice with plastic imitations, because I am too lazy to do the paperwork. 🤷♂️
Yeah countries are really wierd about "ninja" weapons. Nunchaku are illegal in a bunch of places (including some US states, where you can literally walk into a store and buy a gun without that much of a hassle)
@@kidthorazine It was a joke on how people pass these sort of laws based on the fear of the citizens. To your Average Joe it probably wouldn't go much further with them than "This is a gimmick weapon." I understand these weapons' individual functions and collective significance to at least some extent
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me. I am extremely grateful and honored to receive such elegant knowledge. I will absorb all that I can from your videos and promote your stories to those who are interested. Your videos are very inspirational and motivating. Without you, I would have difficulty learning more about Japanese history, culture, and everything else that I am extremely moved and passionate about learning. I wish that there were more people like you in the world.
6:45 there are lots of historical nihonto that are made from 'nanban tetsu' (foreign steel). This was even inscribed on the nakago in many cases, as it was considered desirable at the time. Surely you can't be saying that those swords do not count as real katana?
Legally not. It HAS to be made of tamahagane, of which only produced by two companies in very limited quantities (Hitachi being one of them). There's artificial scarcity going on, because ultimately modern traditional Katana is an artwork.
@@victoriazero8869 Perhaps that's the case for contemporary sword manufacture, but there are many papered historical nihonto made from nambam tetsu (foreign steel).
I have heard that the curve is a byproduct of the heat treatment process. The edge of the blade is hardened but the clay insulates some heat on the back of the blade, allowing it to be softer. This also warps the blade into a curve. The many ways steel can be heated and then cooled have many different effects on the micro crystal structure of the steel.
The curve and the designs on/of the blade comes from the quench process, the "special" clay causes the opposing sides of the blade to cool at different rates. the uncovered edge of the blade cools fasted making it harder, to better take and hold its sharpness, and the metal starts to bend towards the edge; as the cover side of the blade cools it bends back towards its spine giving it the curve and this side of the blade is stronger. Because of the cooling differences between the covered and uncover sides from the clay the crystalline structure of the metal is different between the two sides leaving the design on the blade. There is an interesting history/story on the Katana's development through the ages. I watched a lot of documentaries on the Katana/Samurai (they basically go hand in hand). As far as requiring a licensed katana smith to call it a katana is like saying scotch isn't scotch if it's not made in Scotland even though it's made the same way with the same ingredients. Now if the "fo" katana is given its curve in a way other than in the quenching process (bending, grinding, stamping, etc.), then it shouldn't be called a true katana.
Technically, but you generally won't get all of the proper paperwork that way, which makes having the sword in Japan illegal and lowers it's value among collectors pretty substantially. Also you would have to find people in that country to make the fittings, saya, tsuka etc.
@@kidthorazine so people who have their own work shop also make their own fittints but that is rare considering how hard it would be to learn all the trades but some people can
Sounds like it would be difficult. You'd have to find some ways to source all the necessary materials from Japan, as well as somehow finding a way to get all the necessary official documents and licensing for each sword you make from outside Japan, which sounds like a nightmare. Especially when you consider that the Japanese tend to be fairly beurocratic.
For sword making videos, I highly suggest the That Works channel, and for Japanese sword making Ilya of that channel has the most deepest respect for making them. I would say he's all but licensed to make them with his skill level, knowledge of them, and his dedication to put everything into it and correctly..
I have basic knowledge of how Katana is made, the desirable property etc. But I have no plan nor desire to make one myself. The desirable property (hard wear surface and softer backbone) is needed everywhere, such as the crankshaft of an engine, or just about any knifes, kitchen or garden tools, gun barrels, drive shaft with a bearing surface, etc. It can be done with tempering or add carbon to the steel surface. These are the modern methods, I am sure making a Katana is an art and done using the traditional method (taking a long time).
I recall that the purchase of a katana in Japan for export also depends on the status of the sword itself as to whether it may be culturally sensitive. It's what I was told by my teacher when I queried how I could potentially purchase an antique one some day.
Makes sense. If they let people export them all, then eventually there won't be any genuine antique swords left in Japan. And since these swords are part of their history, they'd naturally want to keep them around as much as possible.
One thing about the hamon and how it works is that a traditionally made katanas have what's called a differentially hardened blade. This means that the blade doesn't have an even hardness, in the case of the katana, the edge is harder than the spine of the sword. This is accomplished through the process that creates the hamon with the clay mix insulating the edge. Regarding the curve, Anyone know if this achieved through the initial forging process or through the tempering? I've always thought the curve was essentially built in to the blade when it was first forged. But I've also read that it was a result of the differential hardening of the blade and the clay mix used to create the hamon and when the blade was quenched, the clay mix on the blade caused it to bend, creating the curve.
It's a resoult of the differential hardening. As the steel get's colder, it shrinks. First the edge get's cooled, because it does not have clay on it. So in the beggining, the katana curves inwards. Then as the spine is slowly gives out the heat, it straightens back and slowly starts to curve backwards. Of course the balance shifts towards the back curve, because most of the blade is covered with clay. They can make straight blades by forging in a forward curve to equal the backward curve, that occures in the second portion of cooling.
Good informative video. Just want to ask a follow up question. You said that katanas are more regarded as art than weapons but later said that unregistered katana breaks a law where they are included with firearms. Did I misunderstand something or maybe lost in translation?
A Tosho doesn't have to use already-smelted tamahagane. They can also use their own steel processed in their own furnaces. Some use either electrolytic iron or sponge iron, or even old wrought iron, and process it to make their steel.
i understand it is a very precious metal... thank you very much for your explanations... such swords should be handled with care respect and responsibility. happy new year.
It not really precious, in the world of metal tamahagane is trash steel, even medieval European steels where much better. And the production method they developed had the sole purpose to cover for the many impurities within the steel.
Please when you start doing Movie reviews do the rurouni kenshin live action series i really love these movies and would love to hear someone who trains in the Katana's thoughts about it
Question: If i had the registration certificate for my katana does thet mean i can take it where ever i want ? And what it would cost to get a real katana that is made by a professional and licensed swordsmith ?
You can get a real katana from anywhere between $2000 (antiques from certain periods that aren't in the best shape) to $10k-$20k for a custom commission from a higher end swordsmith. A new non-custom from a non-famous swordsmith can be found for about $5k-$7k, $=USD And in Japan, no you can't take it wherever you want, the police will be pretty pissy with you if you don't have a valid reason for having it with you and you have to carry it in a tied up sword bag.
Can you please do a video on how to remember Kanji. I easily memorized hiragana and katakana, but stuck at Kanji. Which pronunciation of Kanji is important.
I agree with you...those who make "Katana" without following at the least the traditions, the techniques and the materials, are not making noting that deserves to be called katana
Walked past Kappabashi once and I saw shops selling all sorts of knives and some of them straight up looked like swords. Some even had woven handles like katana and had the hamon patterns on the side of the blade.
Hello, Shogo. There is data that shows katana's curve for cutting/slicing is just a theory that doesn't matter in practice. The amount of slicing it produces is negligible. You can find videos of european swords with straight edges that cut more effectively.
You seem to be different from other Japanese. I think it is because of your travel. I told a friend who was from Taiwan that he was Polluted . He said what did I mean. Your experiences from studying and living has made changes in your perspective on how you look at something. He laughed and said I was polluted too!
I wonder if high end reproductions (as in the traditionally forged reproductions) of historical weapons from other countries (like European longsword, a mace, halberd etc) would fall into the same category as katana in Japan or would this be classed as a weapon? Also, does armour have any kind of category or you do not need any license to be able to wear it even in public?
To think i already knew most of this by just binging on animes but one thing that shocked me was the fact that u can only find katana in japan which should be made by a professional swordsmith and not just that but u would need to find a katana swordsmen and train for atleast 5 years
Whats strange is that flannel is a product from europe. It has a almost leather like quality..my teacher taught me that you can Hone a blade just on normal leather or even on just the pants of your blue jeans..the fibers of the fabric will move even steel.
Does it really require the special oil, or will any rust-preventing oil like gun oil work just fine? I get “gun oil” is probably a rarity in Japan. Just asking about the necessity of “special tools”
Strictly speaking, any fine oil that's rated for cleaning, lubricating and protecting metal will do fine. I know some people that like to use sewing machine oil on blades of all kinds. I've made my own choji oil using light mineral oil [often used for removing makeup] and a couple of drops of actual clove oil [choji means clove] from the grocery store. It's cheap and it works just fine, and it gives a very authentic smell to your katana.
I have a question about the Katana, if it is indeed seen as an extension of the Samurai's soul then shouldn't the Samurai have been the ones to forge them so it's something they made so they could be even more connected to it on an even more physical level as well as spiritual level? Like having children, you did that and it's amazing!
Katanas are pretty cool, great swords n all. Personally I kinda always preferred a saber or rapier. Though if I could have any sword I wanted and if it was possible to actually make....def would go with the halo / sangeli energy sword.
I recently purchased an Iaito in a charity fundraiser. Do you know of a store vendor or website where I can purchase a cleaning kit and have it mailed to me in Hawaii ? Thank you, I really enjoy your videos.
There is some extra detail information that some may benefit from. One is that if a blade longer than a certain length has a sharp edge, then it is considered an illegal weapon until it can be examined and registered. HOWEVER, if it cannot meet the primary criteria of the inspection, then it will not be allowed a registry, so the only options would be to keep it illegally or turn it in to the police (abandonment). *Edit: depending on the police you are dealing with, they may allow you to donate the blade to a museum, if there is one that will take it. The inspection criteria are 1) the blade or sword must be in relatively decent condition. In other words, if it has substantial damage, such as being broken or burnt, then it cannot be registered. 2) the blade or sword must have been made using the traditional Japanese methods only. If non-traditional means were used, such as machines for example, then once again it cannot be registered. With this in mind, even if someone has a nice military katana in great condition, it cannot be registered if it was made by a machine or other non-traditional Japanese method. If so, then it must be given up to the police or you'll risk getting into trouble.
Can you recommend a Katana I can purchase and sent to the United States of America? I would love to get a certificate of registration for both the Katana and matching Wakizashi sword and scabbards for both. Thank you for sharing. FYI, I subscribed and put notifications on for your page over a year ago. You hardly ever answer your video questions.
There are tons of sword videos on the web of so called Katana but almost none respect the traditional way of producing them. Kinda funny because when i was a kid i made a sword shaped thing from a steel bar after i saw a ninja movie (a silly one from the eighties). My parents hide it in my grandma basement to prevent me from hurting myself while playing with it and i find it 20 years later while emptying the basement. The neighbour's kid was fascinated by this thing and wanted it so much i gifted him. He was so thankful for it while his mum was horrified. Told her all the story and she told me with a grin they also have a basement.
We have katana being passed down from every generations after marriage of eldest son and and a tanto for eldest daughter. It's a family tradition and I don't know if it's registered. It's still in Kyoto and I'm currently living here in Philippines. Can't export the katana due to laws and customs regulation
I noticed you usually use the photo of this beautiful tsuba like it is in the thumbnail of this video. Also in this video there is a photo of a sword with this beautiful tsuba and red saya. When I was looking for how Kashuu Kiyomitsu looked like this photo also appeared there as the real one. Also it was said that the real one was broken and lost. And there is also a sword with the same name just in the museum, safe and sound, but only yaiba is showed, without any other parts, so the tsuba isn't there. I found some info that Kashuu Kiyomitsu belonged to Okita, but there is one info that Kashuu was forged around the beginning of the Edo period and was broken and then lost in Ikedaya but still when looking for it I get those photo of this sword with beautiful tsuba and saya you use in your videos often and also there is a photo from the museum that shows only the blade, a little smaller than Kashuu should be also said to be Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Okita's sword but made around the time when Okita was small. So I wonder how you found the photo of this beautiful sword and who this sword really is, also if there is any trace of Okita's sword as it's said that one (probably Kiyomitsu) broke in Ikedaya and was left there (but usually broken swords were fixed/shortened but it was said Kashuu was broken beyond repair) and other (maybe Yasusada or Kiku Ichimonji but it's also said Kiku Ichimonji never existed...) was lost by Okita's sister, Mitsu, after his death when she left it in a carriage accidentally. (So according to this Okita left his sword in Ikedaya when it broke, then Mitsu left his last sword, after his death, in the carriage and also Kin (I think this is the name of the other sister if I'm not wrong) left his only photo in the desk that was burnt... so all of them left something that could be memento of him somewhere that made it impossible to have this memento) Is there a possibility that you may make some videos about most important swords in history, like swords that could belong to Okita, Nagasone Kotetsu who belonged to Kondo but is not sure if it was real Kotetsu and if it was known from the start if it was real or not (I think in one book, probably written by Nagakura or something more on Saitou side it is said that Saitou gave Nagasone to Kondo knowing it's not real Kotetsu as some kind of connection on how they are not "real" samurais, like they were born as standard people and became samurai, so also a standard sword can become a Kotetsu in the hands of the greatest warrior, but it is also said that he didn't know anything about it being fake and somewhere it is even said it wasn't him who bought it...) and how we still can admire Izumi no Kami Kanesada who belonged to Hijikata but not the Horikawa Kunihiro who probably may be in ocean or not exist anymore today and how Kanesada was made to match Horikawa who was a wakizashi. And also about other swords like Mikazuki Munechika or who really was the first curved sword or about Tsurumaru Kuninaga who was burried with his owner who was just a child when he died in one of the most scary ways possible. And swords everyone knows about but there are also words about that they never existed, I think my friend said Ima no Tsurugi could be a legendary, not real sword. Also how everyone knows about Kumokiri and Onikiri but forgets about also important sword used in the same time, by the same person probably, Dojigiri. I always thought that Onikiri was used against Shuten but he was used agains Ibaraki and Dojigiri was against Shuten (one really beautiful person taught me this years ago!) and if we forget the mythological creatures like demons, big spiders then why would Kumokiri become Kumokiri? Do you think you can teach us about history and myths about swords? Not only about the "bodies" of swords how we can use them, how they are made but also about their "souls", they history and what memories could be engraved in them? Is the midare on your sword similar to the one of Midare Toushiro? Somehow such beautiful sword matches your kind soul! I'm sorry for writing so many long comments under your videos, just every your word sparkles inspiration and every your answer creates lots of new questions. And you are the most trustworthy and the least scary person to ask about it. I'm sorry for causing troubles. You are really great! Thank you for all your hard work!
7:46 also not true, the curve is just the byproduct of using trash steel, Tamahagane, and the need for differential hardening, which causes the blade to curve when tempering it.
That's a rather inflammatory way of putting it. That kind of steel was used due to limited resources and technology. Keep in mind that Japan only really had access to iron sands (an objectively poor source of iron) which required a lot of effort to refine into anything useful, and even so still would produce steel with more impurities than other methods. It's nothing short of a marvel that given their limitations, the Japanese were able to make decent steel blades at all. It's the equivalent of Tony Stark making his first armor "IN A CAVE! WITH A BOX OF SCRAPS!" really. Criticism I believe is fair on still using these techniques and materials in the modern day where better techniques and materials are now available, but it makes more sense considering the katana being more valued as a work of art and culture than an actual weapon. Culture is often defined by limitations and necessity, and cultural relics can have value in 'not forgetting where you came from'. Chances are, if blades were still used for combat in the modern day, they wouldn't use such classically-forged katanas for actual combat but would use blades forged with modern methods, and have a strict distinction between ceremonial/symbolic and practical blades. The former being classically-forged, and the latter being used with all the technology and high quality materials available at the time. Even the part about oiling blades to protect from rust and the like could be rendered moot using modern technology, as there are countless kinds of modern steel alloys with different properties, some of which can perform well as tool steel while still having resistance to rusting.
Do you have any other questions about the katana??
Feel free to give me a comment here, or a DM through Instagram!
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Shogo, please make a video about samurai armor and their masks.
@Andrian Clintton Garcia Maybe but it would be extremely expensive and difficult to find a smith willing to try.
@Andrian Clintton Garcia Japanese smiths are required by law to make swords with tamahagane steel. If you want something made out of tungsten maybe try closer to home, the Philippines has some excellent swordsmiths.
If the term Katana is inaccurate when referring to katana-like swords that fall outside the definition of Katana, is the term Samurai Sword appropriate for such swords?
If a Japanese Swordsmith apprentice applies for the test and fail, does the Swordsmith have to take the exam again in the same year, or the next year? Or it will have to wait again for 5 years?
It seems that the katana making craftmanship can be lost because it is dificult and very few people do it.
besides, new generations for practical reason don't want to dedicate their lives being swordsmith, but rather have a regular jobs, besides, you need to own a land, tools and resources, probably some younger generation of Japanese can become swordsmith if they happen to be a child of a swordsmith
@@MaxBraver555 I know there are some swordsmiths moved on to making kitchen knives instead that is more lucrative and useful than swords.
Is the food grade clove oil available for medicinal purposes suitable for use in katana maintenance? I know that choji has clove oil as a component, with mineral oil making up most of it. I have been using what in America is called "baby oil" or light machine oil (such as that used for sewing machines) because choji is expensive, but would like to make my own choji. Are there any harmful (to the sword) additives to watch out for in commercially available clove oil?
sounds like japan 101
more like a monopoly,
it's like a legal fishing job.
x years in the craft under a licensed individual as an apprentice (who will not take people into the job to keep their own profits up)
you can work for a fisherman without satisfying that requirement btw
take an exam.
gather all legal fees and materials to preform job
most of the time you will see these sorts of professions being handed down to children and their lovers after marriage. and maybe a few close friends and the materials to do said job will be given to those who took a decent interest in the job even if it's not the kid
And that's just one of the reasons Katanas are so special. Shame there is no sponsorship or scholarship for all these arts. It would be criminal to let them die out. Thank you Shogo for bringing this subject and so many others into the light. Take care. Stay safe 🙏
John and Kate
Should be awesome a similar video about o-yoroi, samurai armors and how they’re built
Amazing content, thanks so much
What would you prefer the western enthusiasts call a modern production sword made in the style of a katana then?
Fauxtana?
Katana inspired sword
Perhaps replica?
Katana inspired sword?
Katana mimic
Much respect...and as I agree with you that Japanese made swords are and will always be the real deal, and should be respected...you can't say that Chinese made or others ect... that are not made in tamahagane are not katana...the need for using tamahagane method is absolete with the superior quality of steel in modern day...there is alot of crap that should not hold the name katana...but there are quality forges outside of Japan that do make quality Katana..and deserve the right to hold the name...I understand your belief and opinions and respect it...but times are different my friend....call them katana replicas if you like but they are Katana to me especially the forges I respect, review and use
I love Japanese sword craftsmanship but I can say the same about sword craftsmanship from other cultures as well. There's merit in all of them.
In Switzerland, one can own katana without a permit, but you need a special permit to own a sai (kobudo weapon). So I have to practice with plastic imitations, because I am too lazy to do the paperwork. 🤷♂️
What else can be owned there without permit?
Yeah countries are really wierd about "ninja" weapons. Nunchaku are illegal in a bunch of places (including some US states, where you can literally walk into a store and buy a gun without that much of a hassle)
@@kidthorazine Gimmick weapons scary
@@xryeau_1760 I wouldn't quite call them gimmick weapons, but yeah specifically banning them is dumb as hell.
@@kidthorazine It was a joke on how people pass these sort of laws based on the fear of the citizens. To your Average Joe it probably wouldn't go much further with them than "This is a gimmick weapon." I understand these weapons' individual functions and collective significance to at least some extent
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me. I am extremely grateful and honored to receive such elegant knowledge. I will absorb all that I can from your videos and promote your stories to those who are interested. Your videos are very inspirational and motivating. Without you, I would have difficulty learning more about Japanese history, culture, and everything else that I am extremely moved and passionate about learning. I wish that there were more people like you in the world.
6:45 there are lots of historical nihonto that are made from 'nanban tetsu' (foreign steel). This was even inscribed on the nakago in many cases, as it was considered desirable at the time.
Surely you can't be saying that those swords do not count as real katana?
Legally not. It HAS to be made of tamahagane, of which only produced by two companies in very limited quantities (Hitachi being one of them). There's artificial scarcity going on, because ultimately modern traditional Katana is an artwork.
@@victoriazero8869 Perhaps that's the case for contemporary sword manufacture, but there are many papered historical nihonto made from nambam tetsu (foreign steel).
I have heard that the curve is a byproduct of the heat treatment process. The edge of the blade is hardened but the clay insulates some heat on the back of the blade, allowing it to be softer. This also warps the blade into a curve. The many ways steel can be heated and then cooled have many different effects on the micro crystal structure of the steel.
The curve and the designs on/of the blade comes from the quench process, the "special" clay causes the opposing sides of the blade to cool at different rates. the uncovered edge of the blade cools fasted making it harder, to better take and hold its sharpness, and the metal starts to bend towards the edge; as the cover side of the blade cools it bends back towards its spine giving it the curve and this side of the blade is stronger. Because of the cooling differences between the covered and uncover sides from the clay the crystalline structure of the metal is different between the two sides leaving the design on the blade.
There is an interesting history/story on the Katana's development through the ages. I watched a lot of documentaries on the Katana/Samurai (they basically go hand in hand). As far as requiring a licensed katana smith to call it a katana is like saying scotch isn't scotch if it's not made in Scotland even though it's made the same way with the same ingredients. Now if the "fo" katana is given its curve in a way other than in the quenching process (bending, grinding, stamping, etc.), then it shouldn't be called a true katana.
I like how expressive you are while talking it really keeps the audience engaged
I would love to know a little bit more of the japanese polearms (yari, naginata, etc), thanks!
This is really difficult but if you really are sure about your path and dedicated to your goal in the end they will succeed. ❤️
If a person was able to get the master to train them and they do the 5 years, can they go to any country in the world and set up shop?
Technically, but you generally won't get all of the proper paperwork that way, which makes having the sword in Japan illegal and lowers it's value among collectors pretty substantially. Also you would have to find people in that country to make the fittings, saya, tsuka etc.
@@kidthorazine so people who have their own work shop also make their own fittints but that is rare considering how hard it would be to learn all the trades but some people can
Sounds like it would be difficult. You'd have to find some ways to source all the necessary materials from Japan, as well as somehow finding a way to get all the necessary official documents and licensing for each sword you make from outside Japan, which sounds like a nightmare. Especially when you consider that the Japanese tend to be fairly beurocratic.
For sword making videos, I highly suggest the That Works channel, and for Japanese sword making Ilya of that channel has the most deepest respect for making them. I would say he's all but licensed to make them with his skill level, knowledge of them, and his dedication to put everything into it and correctly..
Sorry, but only Japanese people can make a katana. Stick to your longswords.
I have basic knowledge of how Katana is made, the desirable property etc. But I have no plan nor desire to make one myself. The desirable property (hard wear surface and softer backbone) is needed everywhere, such as the crankshaft of an engine, or just about any knifes, kitchen or garden tools, gun barrels, drive shaft with a bearing surface, etc. It can be done with tempering or add carbon to the steel surface. These are the modern methods, I am sure making a Katana is an art and done using the traditional method (taking a long time).
It totally makes sense that why Haganezuka was so angry on Tanjiro.. loosing his swords every time.
Agreed
Yea-
I recall that the purchase of a katana in Japan for export also depends on the status of the sword itself as to whether it may be culturally sensitive. It's what I was told by my teacher when I queried how I could potentially purchase an antique one some day.
Makes sense. If they let people export them all, then eventually there won't be any genuine antique swords left in Japan. And since these swords are part of their history, they'd naturally want to keep them around as much as possible.
In the UK it's a case of getting a forge and touchmark. Make all the things you want.
In Germany it's completely legal to own a Katana or any Sword for that matter, you just need to be 18 or older.
Same in the UK.
One thing about the hamon and how it works is that a traditionally made katanas have what's called a differentially hardened blade. This means that the blade doesn't have an even hardness, in the case of the katana, the edge is harder than the spine of the sword. This is accomplished through the process that creates the hamon with the clay mix insulating the edge.
Regarding the curve, Anyone know if this achieved through the initial forging process or through the tempering? I've always thought the curve was essentially built in to the blade when it was first forged. But I've also read that it was a result of the differential hardening of the blade and the clay mix used to create the hamon and when the blade was quenched, the clay mix on the blade caused it to bend, creating the curve.
It's a resoult of the differential hardening. As the steel get's colder, it shrinks. First the edge get's cooled, because it does not have clay on it. So in the beggining, the katana curves inwards. Then as the spine is slowly gives out the heat, it straightens back and slowly starts to curve backwards. Of course the balance shifts towards the back curve, because most of the blade is covered with clay. They can make straight blades by forging in a forward curve to equal the backward curve, that occures in the second portion of cooling.
Jojo reference!?!?
Im late but congratulations for exceeding 100k!! Your channel is very informative and a delight to watch everytime.
Nice & simple answers. Thanks from a Balkan native.
Good informative video.
Just want to ask a follow up question.
You said that katanas are more regarded as art than weapons but later said that unregistered katana breaks a law where they are included with firearms.
Did I misunderstand something or maybe lost in translation?
As always a really informative and insightful content Master Shogo! Thank you for this video! 👏🏻 🎉
A Tosho doesn't have to use already-smelted tamahagane. They can also use their own steel processed in their own furnaces. Some use either electrolytic iron or sponge iron, or even old wrought iron, and process it to make their steel.
Shogo I'm rooting for u almost to a million subscribers I subscribed three years ago love to see the progress
i understand it is a very precious metal... thank you very much for your explanations... such swords should be handled with care respect and responsibility. happy new year.
It not really precious, in the world of metal tamahagane is trash steel, even medieval European steels where much better. And the production method they developed had the sole purpose to cover for the many impurities within the steel.
I really love your style of explaining things. Always informative 👏👏
Once again very useful info for my next year's plans. Keep them coming Thanx
I loves watching the maintenace on the sword 😍 so interesting!! I wish you'd show your katana more
Please when you start doing Movie reviews do the rurouni kenshin live action series i really love these movies and would love to hear someone who trains in the Katana's thoughts about it
you look like a genuinely nice guy
I think your question five is a yes regardless if its an art and has a registration, that is basically a license still even if its a registration form
Shogo you rock dude! Your videos are very instructive and entertaining!
So, a Katana is to a katana-like sword just how champagne is to sparkling wine
Question: If i had the registration certificate for my katana does thet mean i can take it where ever i want ?
And what it would cost to get a real katana that is made by a professional and licensed swordsmith ?
Like double digit thousands for the legit ones hes talking about fully mounted.
It depends on the laws of your country. For where I live, I have to carry my sword in a bag when I go to the dojo.
You can get a real katana from anywhere between $2000 (antiques from certain periods that aren't in the best shape) to $10k-$20k for a custom commission from a higher end swordsmith. A new non-custom from a non-famous swordsmith can be found for about $5k-$7k, $=USD And in Japan, no you can't take it wherever you want, the police will be pretty pissy with you if you don't have a valid reason for having it with you and you have to carry it in a tied up sword bag.
In other words, no carrying it on a plane like Beatrice Kiddo did.
Nice video Shogo :)
Thank you for very entertaining and informative content. Short summaries at the end makes them even better.
Can you please do a video on how to remember Kanji. I easily memorized hiragana and katakana, but stuck at Kanji. Which pronunciation of Kanji is important.
I agree with you...those who make "Katana" without following at the least the traditions, the techniques and the materials, are not making noting that deserves to be called katana
Can you advise on what to look for when buying at katana? What makes them a good quality and can u recommend any websites to buy from?
tozandoshop.com/
This company would be my recommendation!
I have bought all four of my katanas here😊
@@LetsaskShogo ok thank you very much
LaMont Sensei was my teacher, I practiced in Greensboro,N.C. at the Aikido Kodokan Dojo
you are right. if something with bad peoples happens in some countries. New laws against the good peoples appears. greetings from sad germany.
I live in Danville,Va. and enjoy your channel
Thank you for answering our questions Shogo
Walked past Kappabashi once and I saw shops selling all sorts of knives and some of them straight up looked like swords. Some even had woven handles like katana and had the hamon patterns on the side of the blade.
Japan's history plays a pretty interesting roll in their view of weapons both in general and civilians owning them
So katanas obviously aren't illegal in japan, but are other kinds of swords, like an American cavalry saber or European longsword?
Could you show us a demonstration of polishing a blade? Is it done with a whetstone?
Great video. Thank you for sharing this with us
Can you please review about musashi nitten ichi.. specifically double swords
Arigatou Shogo-sensei ! Another interesting video 👏👏👏👍
Hello, Shogo. There is data that shows katana's curve for cutting/slicing is just a theory that doesn't matter in practice. The amount of slicing it produces is negligible. You can find videos of european swords with straight edges that cut more effectively.
You seem to be different from other Japanese. I think it is because of your travel. I told a friend who was from Taiwan that he was
Polluted . He said what did I mean. Your experiences from studying and living has made changes in your perspective on how you look at something. He laughed and said I was polluted too!
As a Japanese Brazilian, this video is accurate.
"You see those warriors from Japan? They've got curved swords. CURVED. SWORDS."
Is there any delay before taking a new exam?
I wonder if high end reproductions (as in the traditionally forged reproductions) of historical weapons from other countries (like European longsword, a mace, halberd etc) would fall into the same category as katana in Japan or would this be classed as a weapon? Also, does armour have any kind of category or you do not need any license to be able to wear it even in public?
In our country, ''Sword'' is the essential item in every house.
Good
Why was sakabato made?
And how is your English sooooooooo good I want to learn too
I also would like to add that another part of why his English is so good is that he worked to maintain his skills with the language.
He lived in the US for 6 years as a child
Very interesting video thank you. Question what other weapons would a samurai carry on a daily basis. Thank you.
To think i already knew most of this by just binging on animes but one thing that shocked me was the fact that u can only find katana in japan which should be made by a professional swordsmith and not just that but u would need to find a katana swordsmen and train for atleast 5 years
Whats strange is that flannel is a product from europe. It has a almost leather like quality..my teacher taught me that you can Hone a blade just on normal leather or even on just the pants of your blue jeans..the fibers of the fabric will move even steel.
I wish I was Japanese y’all are cool af
Does it really require the special oil, or will any rust-preventing oil like gun oil work just fine?
I get “gun oil” is probably a rarity in Japan. Just asking about the necessity of “special tools”
Strictly speaking, any fine oil that's rated for cleaning, lubricating and protecting metal will do fine. I know some people that like to use sewing machine oil on blades of all kinds. I've made my own choji oil using light mineral oil [often used for removing makeup] and a couple of drops of actual clove oil [choji means clove] from the grocery store. It's cheap and it works just fine, and it gives a very authentic smell to your katana.
I have a question about the Katana, if it is indeed seen as an extension of the Samurai's soul then shouldn't the Samurai have been the ones to forge them so it's something they made so they could be even more connected to it on an even more physical level as well as spiritual level? Like having children, you did that and it's amazing!
Displaying your katana on the stand...is it blade up or down and tsuba on the left or right
Can u make a new topic regarding the Top 5 or maybe top 10 most dangerous samurai in history
Katanas are pretty cool, great swords n all. Personally I kinda always preferred a saber or rapier. Though if I could have any sword I wanted and if it was possible to actually make....def would go with the halo / sangeli energy sword.
Love your videos Shogo!
im happy that u make videos :)
I recently purchased an Iaito in a charity fundraiser. Do you know of a store vendor or website where I can purchase a cleaning kit and have it mailed to me in Hawaii ? Thank you, I really enjoy your videos.
Thanks, that was a great guide & very informative!
There is some extra detail information that some may benefit from. One is that if a blade longer than a certain length has a sharp edge, then it is considered an illegal weapon until it can be examined and registered. HOWEVER, if it cannot meet the primary criteria of the inspection, then it will not be allowed a registry, so the only options would be to keep it illegally or turn it in to the police (abandonment). *Edit: depending on the police you are dealing with, they may allow you to donate the blade to a museum, if there is one that will take it. The inspection criteria are 1) the blade or sword must be in relatively decent condition. In other words, if it has substantial damage, such as being broken or burnt, then it cannot be registered. 2) the blade or sword must have been made using the traditional Japanese methods only. If non-traditional means were used, such as machines for example, then once again it cannot be registered. With this in mind, even if someone has a nice military katana in great condition, it cannot be registered if it was made by a machine or other non-traditional Japanese method. If so, then it must be given up to the police or you'll risk getting into trouble.
Isn't it illegal to take an authentic katana out of Japan? Or does that only apply to antique, historical katana, and more not recently made katana?
Thank you for the explanation.
This is a great discipline.
Katana and wakidzashi on the stand ressemble to Torii gates, interesting
Is it possible to make a reverse edged katana? Like the sakabatō from rurouni kenshin
yes there's a "Forged in Fire" episode where they made the sakabato
Wish I could afford one made in Japan.
Can you recommend a Katana I can purchase and sent to the United States of America? I would love to get a certificate of registration for both the Katana and matching Wakizashi sword and scabbards for both. Thank you for sharing. FYI, I subscribed and put notifications on for your page over a year ago. You hardly ever answer your video questions.
There are tons of sword videos on the web of so called Katana but almost none respect the traditional way of producing them. Kinda funny because when i was a kid i made a sword shaped thing from a steel bar after i saw a ninja movie (a silly one from the eighties). My parents hide it in my grandma basement to prevent me from hurting myself while playing with it and i find it 20 years later while emptying the basement. The neighbour's kid was fascinated by this thing and wanted it so much i gifted him. He was so thankful for it while his mum was horrified. Told her all the story and she told me with a grin they also have a basement.
Hello, Is it alright if you can show us how to use a katana?
congrats on reaching a million.
How do you attach your katana to your wast ?
Thank you for this information.
Shogo I wanted to ask, do you watch sumo or enjoy watching sumo? I love watching sumo and am curious as to what you think about it
We have katana being passed down from every generations after marriage of eldest son and and a tanto for eldest daughter. It's a family tradition and I don't know if it's registered. It's still in Kyoto and I'm currently living here in Philippines. Can't export the katana due to laws and customs regulation
Hi . It’s possible to make a movie about craft wood, carpenter tools ?
I noticed you usually use the photo of this beautiful tsuba like it is in the thumbnail of this video. Also in this video there is a photo of a sword with this beautiful tsuba and red saya. When I was looking for how Kashuu Kiyomitsu looked like this photo also appeared there as the real one. Also it was said that the real one was broken and lost. And there is also a sword with the same name just in the museum, safe and sound, but only yaiba is showed, without any other parts, so the tsuba isn't there. I found some info that Kashuu Kiyomitsu belonged to Okita, but there is one info that Kashuu was forged around the beginning of the Edo period and was broken and then lost in Ikedaya but still when looking for it I get those photo of this sword with beautiful tsuba and saya you use in your videos often and also there is a photo from the museum that shows only the blade, a little smaller than Kashuu should be also said to be Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Okita's sword but made around the time when Okita was small. So I wonder how you found the photo of this beautiful sword and who this sword really is, also if there is any trace of Okita's sword as it's said that one (probably Kiyomitsu) broke in Ikedaya and was left there (but usually broken swords were fixed/shortened but it was said Kashuu was broken beyond repair) and other (maybe Yasusada or Kiku Ichimonji but it's also said Kiku Ichimonji never existed...) was lost by Okita's sister, Mitsu, after his death when she left it in a carriage accidentally. (So according to this Okita left his sword in Ikedaya when it broke, then Mitsu left his last sword, after his death, in the carriage and also Kin (I think this is the name of the other sister if I'm not wrong) left his only photo in the desk that was burnt... so all of them left something that could be memento of him somewhere that made it impossible to have this memento) Is there a possibility that you may make some videos about most important swords in history, like swords that could belong to Okita, Nagasone Kotetsu who belonged to Kondo but is not sure if it was real Kotetsu and if it was known from the start if it was real or not (I think in one book, probably written by Nagakura or something more on Saitou side it is said that Saitou gave Nagasone to Kondo knowing it's not real Kotetsu as some kind of connection on how they are not "real" samurais, like they were born as standard people and became samurai, so also a standard sword can become a Kotetsu in the hands of the greatest warrior, but it is also said that he didn't know anything about it being fake and somewhere it is even said it wasn't him who bought it...) and how we still can admire Izumi no Kami Kanesada who belonged to Hijikata but not the Horikawa Kunihiro who probably may be in ocean or not exist anymore today and how Kanesada was made to match Horikawa who was a wakizashi. And also about other swords like Mikazuki Munechika or who really was the first curved sword or about Tsurumaru Kuninaga who was burried with his owner who was just a child when he died in one of the most scary ways possible. And swords everyone knows about but there are also words about that they never existed, I think my friend said Ima no Tsurugi could be a legendary, not real sword. Also how everyone knows about Kumokiri and Onikiri but forgets about also important sword used in the same time, by the same person probably, Dojigiri. I always thought that Onikiri was used against Shuten but he was used agains Ibaraki and Dojigiri was against Shuten (one really beautiful person taught me this years ago!) and if we forget the mythological creatures like demons, big spiders then why would Kumokiri become Kumokiri? Do you think you can teach us about history and myths about swords? Not only about the "bodies" of swords how we can use them, how they are made but also about their "souls", they history and what memories could be engraved in them? Is the midare on your sword similar to the one of Midare Toushiro? Somehow such beautiful sword matches your kind soul! I'm sorry for writing so many long comments under your videos, just every your word sparkles inspiration and every your answer creates lots of new questions. And you are the most trustworthy and the least scary person to ask about it. I'm sorry for causing troubles. You are really great! Thank you for all your hard work!
How much did you pay for yours? I heard it’s ridiculously expensive.
With the blade cleaning. What you did would basically be considered field maintenance, correct.
Master: Your Katana doesnt have enough curvature, you failed.
Student: Oh, sori
7:46 also not true, the curve is just the byproduct of using trash steel, Tamahagane, and the need for differential hardening, which causes the blade to curve when tempering it.
That's a rather inflammatory way of putting it. That kind of steel was used due to limited resources and technology. Keep in mind that Japan only really had access to iron sands (an objectively poor source of iron) which required a lot of effort to refine into anything useful, and even so still would produce steel with more impurities than other methods. It's nothing short of a marvel that given their limitations, the Japanese were able to make decent steel blades at all. It's the equivalent of Tony Stark making his first armor "IN A CAVE! WITH A BOX OF SCRAPS!" really.
Criticism I believe is fair on still using these techniques and materials in the modern day where better techniques and materials are now available, but it makes more sense considering the katana being more valued as a work of art and culture than an actual weapon. Culture is often defined by limitations and necessity, and cultural relics can have value in 'not forgetting where you came from'.
Chances are, if blades were still used for combat in the modern day, they wouldn't use such classically-forged katanas for actual combat but would use blades forged with modern methods, and have a strict distinction between ceremonial/symbolic and practical blades. The former being classically-forged, and the latter being used with all the technology and high quality materials available at the time.
Even the part about oiling blades to protect from rust and the like could be rendered moot using modern technology, as there are countless kinds of modern steel alloys with different properties, some of which can perform well as tool steel while still having resistance to rusting.
"Hundreds and thousands of yen"
Yeah but that's like... ten to a couple hundred bucks.
I think he meant "hundreds *of* thousands", which would make a lot more sense considering that would be in the thousand dollar ranges in USD
I would love for you to make a video about guns in Japan.
Who's the best swordsmith making long Katana like sengoku period and using sengoku techniques?
Many Katana are made from Nambun Tetsu.