●Tozando: my most recommended katana shop in Kyoto, Japan (for training martial arts) tozandoshop.com/ ●Mini Katana: my most recommended katana shop overseas (for decorations and cosplay) minikatana.com/SHOGO *Get a 15% OFF discount by buying through my affiliate link! ●The video of us visiting a real katana sword smith Where You Can Become an Apprentice of a Katana Swordsmith for a Day ua-cam.com/video/yGGZvQ5FEPw/v-deo.html ▼Who is Shogo? What is this channel about?▼ ua-cam.com/video/nhEamHfzyyg/v-deo.html ▼Related videos in this channel▼ -6 Real KATANA Recommended by Kyoto’s Iaido Dojo | The Very First Real Katana of My Life ua-cam.com/video/LD2uNPbJrko/v-deo.html -What Does a Japanese Katana Trainee Think About Mini Katana’s Videos? ua-cam.com/video/7ZpjHugMvZ0/v-deo.html -A Day of Training: How Katana Trainees Prepare for a Mat Cutting Competition ua-cam.com/video/azhJOBnVrLU/v-deo.html ▼MY DREAM▼ ua-cam.com/video/EgowIV_kagA/v-deo.html “To make every Japan lovers’ dream come true, by making Japan a more secure, comfortable, and safer place for everyone to visit, study, and live in” I will be using the profit I gain from this channel at restaurants, hotels, and cultural facilities in Kyoto to introduce them. The more you watch the videos on this channel, Kyoto and Japan will become a more exciting place, and you can support your own and others’ dreams in the future even more. ▼Join our Membership▼ ua-cam.com/channels/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.htmljoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos -Weekly Zoom call or live stream -Priority reply to comments ▼[Sub-channel] “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ ua-cam.com/channels/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA.html Please subscribe!! The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼[Listen to the real voices of the Japanese] "Voices from Japan series"▼ ua-cam.com/play/PLpIWoYf9KNFXxLyeQa85jDudDKqkwPg-2.html ▼[Places recommended to visit in Kyoto] "Kyoto Hidden Gems" series▼ ua-cam.com/play/PLpIWoYf9KNFU7LIIFB0P_reDt_oMdkCOq.html ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠I do not use e-mail）
What's your thoughts about your county invading Indonesia in the past?, Does your country's history doesn't teaches about how your country invading a lot of place in the past?
My personal issue with the site you listed, is that the katanas start at $7,500 (they’re also custom made so I have no idea what’s going on past blade length). To be honest, I’d rather just go to Japan to get one since I’d be spending several thousand dollars plus shipping and handling.
@@outboundflight4455 Absolutely but if I’m paying $7,500 minimum, plus tax, plus shipping and handling, the sword is gonna be closer to $10,000 and I might as well go on vacation and buy a katana. Buying a cultural item and experience the culture first hand would be great value, personally.
Before starting the video itself, I'd like to preface that the only authentic Japanese Katana (Nihonto/Shinken) is hand-forged from the Tamahagane, which is a controlled resources by a certain company in Japan. Katana produced outside Japan can be either hand-forged or machine forged, but all of them are made of modern steel. Modern steel are so much better in terms of mechanical properties, but it does not have cultural value at all compared to true tamahagane blade.
Yup, if all you care about is authenticity then a traditional made Tamahagane blade will be the only thing you need. Still, if someone don't care about culture value, spiritualy, only care about having a functional sword for martial art purposes, a modern steel sword is a superior choice
Continuing from the previous post above, foreign made katana would be illegal because they're considered weapon and not a piece of art with cultural value and such. And as far as I know, Japan has no law regulating normal bladed weapons over the current limit (for example, pocket knife has to be under 2.5cm blade length)
@@victoriazero8869 I am from Finland so did i get it right. You cannot own any other sword in Japan than real Katana and your own cultural weapons? Kitchen knifes ok, but sword, dagger, combat knife and any clearly non too knives are illegal? I know gun laws are pretty hard there.
@@victoriazero8869 So where does the Shin Gunto fall into such a category? They clearly are made from Japan, but it was manufactured in modern steel with modern machine methods as well as using a cast handle.
@@firepower7017 Shin Gunto are illegal and if you found one from your grandpapa you have to hand it to police to be destroyed. And yes, other Japanese weapons are also restricted. Shogo said in the Video about 15cm blade for wakizashi and naginata but the details are unclear for me, though most Wakizashi came with Katana as bundled items anyhow (should share the same legal document).
I really love and agree with Shogo's attitude on this subject. It reminds me of a guy whose book I readwho was hugely into Harley Davison motorcycles. He basically said he liked Harley's for the tradition, the aesthetic, the spirit of the bikes, and the hobby of tinkering with them. That said, if he just wanted a quality motorcycle that worked well and needed little maintenance, he would buy a Honda because they're just objectivly better at being a two-wheeled motorized transportation.
Is the book you're talking about Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? I've read it years ago and has a lot of great insights about life. Even though o don't remember everything I've read (hence why my question here), I highly recommend it!
Sentiment, symbolism, and heritage. It's feels similar to buying a custom Western era style Revolver from a Gun Smith, it's very much about preserving the legacy of a way of life as a living history.
I see the swords and firearms law as very flawed. It needs to be opened up to allow for European swords to be considered art, and to allow for a new category of sharp steel sword made by certified swordsmiths but with modern steel. The purpose of them would be to serve katana trainees for battodo, tameshigiri, etc. without damaging an expensive art sword, and increased safety due to the modern steel. Also it will allow Japanese swordsmiths to sell in a profitable market. The reason for the existence (and prosperous business) of those websites is because there is a market demand. It should be allowed for Japanese swordsmiths to own that market instead of companies that will degrade the image of the katana.
For someone who can afford real katana and appreciate, they wont care about those websites and still only buy real katana . And for someone who cannot afford, they wont care about how "real" the katana are, they just want some toys. Conclusion, no one care about allow for a new category of sharp steel sword made by certified swordsmiths but with modern steel.
@@kilercola And not much in the way of historical significance either. Most won't bother, so there's no lucrative market for swords there. In contrast, Katana is popular in both historical setpieces and pop culture, so the worldwide market is huge.
it's not that flawd since european style swords are not a main concern for japanese people, even japanese trowble makers and that is the thing about laws, they don't need to be objetive or to have intrinsic value. A law is only and only needs to be aplicable to the extents that concerns the society it is designed to serve.
@@smallfish01 I think a budget market would complement the high-end market. Clay shooters often spend $10k+ to get a hand-fitted, bespoke weapon with custom engraving made especially for them, despite the fact that they invariably start off with a
As a European, I have to stress that importing an iaito from Japan needed the same kind of license and paperwork as if it were a weapon. Including a screening by the Police. I guess it would have been even harder for a shinken. Consequently, I cannot blame people who opt for buying from other markets, if they can get past that more easily.
I am pretty sure it is hard to order lets say real hand made viking sword and own it. Seems like all other swords are considered illegal weapons. So real viking sword would cost thousands of euros to get the right permits and fill the paperwork.
@@Resident-cb3yz oh, certainly, but there are other hassles, because of the non-EU origin, I didn't get into. Like having to go through customs and associated fees.
@@Resident-cb3yz I live in Germany and I can order and own any sword I want. I own several sharp swords. I do not own a "real" Katana by the Japanese definition, but that is due to the price.
The pros and cons of tradition. History is very important, but unfortunately focussing on it too much can prevent creativity and thinking outside the box.
13:45 "Traditional steel has flaws." Indeed! Tamahagane is made of an iron sand (satetsu) found in Shimane, Japan. This sand is heated and the iron melts and settles to the bottom where it is collected, heated and hammered together, but not liquefied as with modern crucible (or blast furnace) steel where impurities are skimmed away. Tamahagane inherently has more non metallic inclusions because it's produced by forge consolidation of a bloom. Even though it's sorted for carbon content inside that bloom, and thus can have a nice hard edge, it's still going to have plenty of forge welds to get it to that stage. And the non metallic inclusions in tamahagane can lead to failure under stress where inclusions may cause a fatal stress point, or where a weld fails and opens.
May I ask why not make more katana out of more modern day steel? I daily carry knife made out of K390, Rx45, Maxima, etc. They seems like perfect steel for something like katana.
@@kevinhuang888 He explain that in the video, mUh tRadITIoN. Kinda like how swiss lose the general clock industry to japan. There are katana that will serve as a better weapon and cheaper available.
isnt impurities also gotten rid of by the folding process and why it was implemented? thats why i dont like the sites that say "it was folded 2000 times" because that suggests to me they were using a low quality iron that needed to be folded or they were folding it just so they can say they did because modern steels already have very little impurities or none to begin with.
There is so much misinformation and lack of knowledge about Japanese swords on the internet. I really appreciate Shogo making videos like this to help explain the difference between Nihonto and non-Japanese swords. For anyone interested in this topic, do LOTS of research. Buy books; don't rely on random UA-cam channels. You'll quickly understand WHY a real Japanese sword is so valuable, and how it differs from swords made elsewhere.
@@cyan_oxy6734 I wouldn't exaggerated it to the level of car prices. Right now you can buy a legitimate Nihonto for $2000+ and the market is cheap right now because Japan is hurting for money from the border closing.
I'm so happy to have found you and your channel. You are my go to for any of my questions about Japanese culture and katanas. You need not apologize for your opinions....you are more than qualified to speak on these matters....thank you so much for your honesty and integrity.
First point is totally valid . Regarding your second point I really would like to know what you think about master smiths overseas. The first person that comes to mind is Walter Sorrells. I feel disappointed that as a person in Japan I can't order a piece of work by him just because he's outside of Japan. How do you feel about this?
While Walter Sorrells makes good blades for the western market, he is not a licensed swordsmith. The Japanese government licenses smiths after a rigorous apprenticeship period and a functional test of making a Wakizashi. I may be mistaken but only one gaijin every achieved a license and that was Keith Austin. Kinda surprised Shogo missed the fact that only a blade forged by a licensed smith can be considered a katana.
@@jsullivan2112 Eh, kinda sorta more glossed over it than tackled it directly. It's part of that law which also limits the number of swords a licensed smith can produce per month - two katana; not sure about Wakizashi and tanto though. There is a movement in Japan that is slowly gathering steam to repeal the law but it's not popular to stand in open opposition to it.
@@jsullivan2112 He glossed over it. The certification of actual Nihonto Shinken is rigorous and thorough, and yes you can't carry it in the open. You need special carry case for it, much like guns in some parts of the world.
I love this video and the great care you always take in respecting everyone with their own views. I’m a practitioner of what goes by “Kenjutsu” in my country. I got my first “Katana-Style”-Sword last year and it’s been serving me well. I’m taking care to maintain it, though I’ll have to replace the Sageo ribbon and handle binding soon, I fear. That said, my sword is a tool for my sport. It has its basic beauty that I love - but it’s not a deity to me, nor is it my soul. I imagine that one day, if I get to go to Japan and purchase a real traditionally made Katana, it’ll be different. At the same time, I feel that would truly be a piece of art for me that I might never use in training, for fear of something happening to it. So it would loose the ‘tool’-aspect, for which I am at some point probably replace my current sword with a better, more beautifully made blade with a higher performance steel which tamahagane is, in truth, not. So, to me: Japanese, traditional katana are works of art that are to be treated with reverence but I could probably not handle for fear of my own incompetence, while industrial steel blades here are tools that perform well but lack in the soul-department.
Gendaito are pretty much tools to the practitioners in Japan as well since they couldn't get sharp sword anywhere else. It's the old sword that have historical values that you should never use in test cutting training since they have seen or involve in actual conflicts in the past
I can respect the tradition and artistry of the Japanese katana in the same way I'd respect any other traditionally made weapon from some other region, and I believe that retaining the knowledge and practices for such is important. My utilitarian side, however, is more likely going to value availability($$) and edge retention which probably be more readily available in non traditionally crafted swords. This goes for western weapons as well. I'd take a steel sword over a traditionally bronze or copper weapon any day of the week. Great video. Thanks for posting.
@@sulkingsalamander6181 True, well for the most part. There's actually some hema groups but finding one and training (impossible to get swords that aren't shinken basically) is very hard.
You know everyone of your videos makes me respect you more and more and I agree with everything you said. I like katanas because they are beautiful yet deadly, soft (metaphorically) but also demand respect from its user and others so keep making these videos it’s helping me learn!
In a perfect world, a swordsmith hopes that the buyer esteems his sword as much as he does but in reality, value is ultimately in the eyes of the buyer. People buy katanas for reasons that are no less important than a swordsmith's reasons for making them and often do so at a steep personal price. We can only strive to educate people about the culture behind them and hope that others find the culture worthy of preservation.
I used to belong to the Bladesmith Society, as a junior knifemaker. To become a Master bladesmith could require as little as two years, providing your blades pass inspection. It was interesting that a bladesmith in Japan could be learning the craft for over 40 before qualifying as Master.
40 years is excessive and no longer based on actual skill, but more nebulous "cultural" standards. While it can be a way to hone the smith's attitude, it just feels like a way to put younger people into a lower hierarchy. It's honestly a huge problem with Japanese culture that the younger generation have tried and failed to change.
The whole folding stuff with tamahagane boils down to drive out impurities. In my apprenticeship I learned how to make folded and multilayered steels and we also learned why one would do the one thing or another. I see the amount of work and effort that went into the manual purification and appreciate original katana exactly for the craftsmanship and experience needed to properly perform it. Where I live we have comparably a little less tense but still pretty similar regulations on bladed objects and I absolutely get the point about such strict rules.
I love this and the way you explained it my grandfather is Japanese and he trained me in the art since I was 8 years old and when he died he gave me his katana so keep up the great work and I look forward to more videos
Well done, Shogo! One of my classmates was actually asking about katanas to buy in last night's class. For me, the fancier it looks, the more likely it is just for decoration. Like I said in your video of you buying your first katana, I had a gunto sword I was training for a few years but has worn. Right now my Sensei is looking for a way to possibly sell the blade at least to go for a more higher end katana. And for now use the way lesser quality katanas to at least train with. But I too get wary ordering from a website for katanas. I have to look at it in person at least before buying.
I understand your points but it is still sad to see such a high barrier of entry for Japanese to do Battodo. I am sure lots of japanese people would like to try it but simply can't afford it.
More people need to see this. I believe it is very important for the authenticity of the Katana to be kept and respected. I appreciate this well done video about the topic. ありがとうございました！
Like any special item like a Katana. You always must educate yourself and have to research both the maker, the seller and the specific model/object your considering.
Wow, great video, as usual. I love your modest and humble opinion on the katana as an art, weapon, and so much more. It is very appreciated that you have this cultural and broader range of understanding of the katana, and huge appreciation and understanding of the way they are made, decorated, presented, held at such high esteem and honor (deified as well). Super cool to experience what you have to share with us. Thank you!
I respect so much the way you remain always respectful with other's opinions and cultures ! That tends to prove that we can be close in minds, even if distants by earth and culture. So I wonder if you would try, even just for fun, a french rapière ? I think this sword is the best in european smith art, and many testings compared it to japanese katana. I'd like to see you making such a test ! Merci 🙏
Hey Shogo, greatings from Barcelona, Spain. I discovered you last week and I'm enjoying very much all your videos, thank you for your work! Wishing visit Japan one day!
Heh, when I was coming up in my training in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, foreign made replicas were used out of necessity. Most of us simply did not have access to traditionally made katana by Japanese sword smiths, so a Hanwei sword made from manchurian rail steel or the like was regarded as sufficient for our purposes. As fart as definitions go, katana was merely meant to mean a kind of sword. What Shogo here is talking about with his criteria was what was required for a sword to be a true Nihonto. Also while the torei is very important, I think the outlook on buki in general and the katana in particular is a bit more utilitarian in most of the koryu I encountered. While I've met iaidoka who regarded using an antique blade for something as base as tameshigiri as blasphemy (legit I've encountered one dude who said using a katana to cut something is like a catholic bashing a cross into a tree), my sensei used his koto for keiko and tameshigiri all the time. His teacher Sugihara Sensei used to use his wakizashi to cut open packs of squid jerky after practice.
I know people who use their antique swords (of european origin) to do test cutting with and one of them even keep a smallsword in his room and use it to poke at the wall for fun and close the door when he can't be asked to get up so yh. 😅They still love their antiques and take care of them, but have a much more playful attitude towards the items.
HI Shogo, I think I understand your point. Could I say there are different purposes for a Katana? Maybe you can compare it with Matcha, where you have different grades of Matcha. If you don't practice Tea-Ceremonie, you don't need the ceremonial grade Matcha. And so if you don't practice Iaido or other form of Katana related Martial Arts, you have an different perspective and conception of Katana. For example if I only want it for Cosplay or as a display item.
The amount of deft craftsmanship going into incredibly unique materials that eventually produce a proper katana should really make everyone reconsider buying one online from “overseas”.
1. Money, because Tamahagane swords, even gendaito cost a fortune to buy and even more money to bring it back to your home country, and it will even cost another huge amount for bribery purpose to bring it across the border if your country have strict weapon laws like Japan. 2. People who practiced martial arts that see a sword as nothing but a tool and don't care about anything else about it will pick a sword made of superior steel but way cheaper.
@@outboundflight4455 lmfao yeah why save up for a house when I could blow 2k on an AuThEnTiC kAtAnA !1!1 Its 2022 and everyone with a brain has a gun, also its my money and ill spend it how I want. Cope
@@outboundflight4455 My wife said "If I have a 2000$ sword, I wouldn't use it for cutting practice, not because of religious reverence, but because I'd consider it a piece of irreplaceable art". She's not Japanese, not Shinto/Buddhist, but do practice Kenjutsu, with literal basket of sword in our room.
@@victoriazero8869 pretty much and thats in the US where you only need to consider some taxes and shipping overseas.... lets says that 2000 usd gendaito will be have 4000 usd in taxes shipping and customs for martial practice even for art appreciation is too much for me.
Interesting and understandable opinion from Shogo. Here in England, we Iaidoka when obtaining a sword for tameshigiri refer to the weapon as a 'shinken' which does not disrespect the legacy of the katana I feel. Perhaps the term 'katana' should be protected and preserved only for the conditions of production and reverence that Shogo lays out, similar to the nomenclature Champagne, or here in England Stilton cheese, or Melton Mowbray Pork Pies made in prescribed manner and region and protected by legislation.
My dear, I am from eastern europe, former soviet block. But also Japan fan (grew up on Kurosawa films). All katanas which i have are from Spain. Katana from Japan cost me a year salary plus, get i from Japan is almost impossible. I know its not original, but 500+ USD per one katana, which is sharp and functional is OK to me. But I am happy to have it and practice with it.
It's amazing how much the world has embraced the katana. It's great that there are people such as yourself that are educating people about what they love.
I grew up in a household with sick parents. Mentally and physically they struggled to find their place in Americas middle class. It sounds like the definition of first world problems but my father had an advanced psychosis and my mother had reoccurring cancer. I got into legal problems and youthful rebellion eventually finding my own path to adulthood and back to taking care of them before they passed. I bring that up because my parents were too busy trying not to drown in capitalism to teach me any culture of my own. I started making a smorgasbord of my own with literature. When I was nine I read a book about a sword wielding people that wore their hair in a long ponytail, that fixated on honor. I didn’t understand that another culture was being referenced, I just took the things I loved. I became a martial arts enthusiast. I’ve dabbled for a few years in Kendo, Thai Kickboxing and jujitsu. I found a padded weapon fighting group with over a hundred people and we fought little wars every Saturday for over a decade of my life. I love and respect what you do. I will react the same way to what you’re saying though as I would to someone telling me I can’t be a true Druid or Jedi. In you’re culture I can’t, I’m having to build my own culture here because of my countries distinct lack of one. I took this a little personally because I’ve been working with metal in aerospace and have imagined using the technology available to make a piece of art that I’m understanding could never be a true katana.
thank you for the video, one of my main reasons for not buying from a website would be the interaction with the sword. While you can look at all the pretty pictures and read all the stat-sheets you want , a sword (or many items that I would only buy in person) must be held, touched, experienced. For proof -the look on your face when you picked your katana in the last video.
You’re fantastic Shogo! I will 100% get a real Japanese crafted katana one day, but to justify spending that much money on a blade is no easy task sadly. So that’s why I do own a none Japanese made katana
The part about the blades being imbued with a spirit is important, it's also not unique to katana. For example, ꦏꦼꦫꦶꦱ꧀/ꦮꦁꦏꦶꦔꦤ꧀ (Kris/Keris) blades from Indonesian/Fijian culture also share such properties. The book Magus of Java goes into a bit more depth in that particular blade forging tradition.
I really appreciated hearing your take on this topic, your videos are always teaching me something I didn't know. It's been a dream of mine to own a katana for a long time, and while I can't deify it, I definitely want to give Japanese swordsmiths the business that they deserve
I would love to see a video highlighting different blade design types for katana. I love Unokubi Zukuri, but I wonder if that is a traditional design or a more modern or non-traditional construction.
Love your videos Shogo. In your future videos I would like to see you write the currency conversion of Yen into USD/AUD etc as this would help us to understand the value of some of the items you are discussing. Thanks Shogo, keep it up.
I think this is more like a strategy by Japanese swordsmiths to keep the production of Katanas in Japan and to keep the prices ridiculously high. Yes they are beautiful pieces of art but they're not as strong or durable as one might think. Tamahagane has a lot of impurities and bad properties as a material and it's kept purposely scarce to keep it's value high as well. Modern machinery, materials and processes can do far superior stuff than traditional methods. Sure the spiritual element in the elaboration of traditional Katanas is important to Shinto tradition and to Japanese cultural identity overall, but by no means does it determines the quality of a sword as a tool to cut / kill. Edit: Not so much the swordsmiths but the sword dealers. I know for personal experience the amounts of money that are moved selling them to private collections and museums outside Japan. It's a big business and the whole certificate system keeps everything in the hands of a few people who meet the requirements.
Trust me, most Japanesd sword smiths aren't making bank. Until very recently the industry was starting to decay in Japan at a rapid rate until certain anime/manga revitalized interest in swords for young Japanese.
This is definitely another case of Japanese people thinking that their rice is superior to justify the ridiculous subsidies they pay their farmers. There's a difference between those who buy a sword to display in a case and martial artists.
Yes, modern materials and techniques can absolutely make a better sword, but not once did Shogo state anything about quality of the material or final product. As both he and many commentors have stated, it is about a desire to preserve a heritage and history. Additionally, Shogo never said _you shouldn't_ buy a foreign-made katana from a website, he said _he wouldn't_. He also very clearly stated that it was not his intention to make people think less of katana available online.
Awesome vid man. I can see your viewpoint pretty well., I am quite surprised there are Japanese people who let their blades rust. My father always told me to take care of my gear so it can take care of me. Hopefully, one day, I can obtain an old katana but for now I know I'm not quite ready for one and am still pretty happy with my edo period kogatana.
Shogo I am curious, can you make a video on what you need to do when purchasing a katana. Like the weight you should look for, how long it should be, and best for cutting.
I know it probably isn’t the same, but both swords I have bought (katana / chokuto) I have prayed over them both for me to feel like they are blessed in some sort of way
I love the history and reverence behind the Katana. Are there swordsmiths there that a foreigner could apprentice with to learn the traditional art of forging a Katana? I would love to learn swordsmithing and practice Iaido. It's an art that I truly love and appreciate.
I bought a katana from Kyoto 15 years ago and I've also bought swords sold online over the years. I would say that in terms of craftsmanship, the foreign versions can be equally as sharp and beautiful today. They are also produced through fold forging and have a beautiful hamon through differential tempering. However, they aren't made in Japan with tamahagane through traditional processes so it lacks that final bit of special quality.
As someone living in the UK there are laws prohibiting ownership of a curved blade (any length or style) unless is falls into a very small list of criteria the biggest of which is it must be tradtitionaly made and hand crafted so the only Katana sword I could legally own ever for Iaito training (thus blunt) is one that has been specifically made in a traditional manner. Your comment on the better steels etc. is the only thing I don't like about my own Katana and that it is made of 1095 tool steel and not Tamahagane, that being said I love it and never thought I could legally own a katana ever in my life. My katana is build to cut Tatami and Bamboo so I fully expect it to last longer than I do and when I am gone I may take the katana with me ;)
Currently waiting for my very first iaito. Luckily our sensei is a very traditional guy with deep connections to Japan and wouldn't let us go for anything sub-par. Thus already waiting three months for my iaito being made in Gifu by the Murayama workshop. And I absolutely want my sword to be from Japan and of high quality. The feeling it will serve me well for years to come is important to me. Can't wait to hold it in my hands. Mike, Prague PS: My personal problem with Tozando: As far as I can tell, they're doing their very best to monopolize and destroy the variety of Japanese traditional sword workshops, pushing other stores out of the market and using very shady practices to do it. After my current experience with my iaito (which is not bought through Tozando) I would personally not buy from Tozando anymore.
It's incredibly sad that most swords are illegal in Japan because there are some stunningly beautiful modern reproductions of European swords that exist on the market today and I think it would be fascinating to see you cut with some of them amd compare them to the Katana that you're used to. Swords like the Albion Principé and Knecht cut through a tatami mat like it's not even there.
While I really like this I have never even had the chance to meet a real blacksmith let alone know of one near me or around makes me feel like I simply have to go for factory ones. As a katana lover though I wish I could get a proper one made by a blacksmith. Your videos have been a large help on truly understanding the katana.
Pretty much based on the country you're trying to ship it to. Alot of countries have weapon laws tighter than Japan so the process of disguising the sword, the money for bribery just so it could cross the border without turning into a piece of junk inside a metal crusher....alot to think about
I started teaching myself how to use a katana with a book called “Drawing the samurai sword” it would be amazing if you could do a video on the difference between kendo and Iaido
It's very important, I think, for people to respect the tradition of such swords even if they are a replica. In the US we can have "katana" in our homes basically in every state, however you aren't allowed to carry them in secret and if you do carry one you must wear it on your back and that is only in some states. Some do not allow the carrying of blades over a certain length period. I personally grew up with a father that collected blades and knives, he would maintain them every few months even though they where all in storage. I had my first "katana" when I was very young and it was to teach me some responsibility. I ended up letting it rust. I still own it, because I feel responsible for it and use it as a mental metaphor, but every "katana" or weapon that has a cultural significance somewhere I try to keep polished, clean, and respected. As far as Iaido, I would love to learn if there where any sensei near me, but sadly I live in a pretty remote location.
Shogo, im honestly very pleasantly surprised with your closing statement... The traditional and national pride of many japanese katana enthusiasts would never ever let them admit that there are functionally better katana being made on other countries... that said, like you pointed out, its only the intangibles that give special objects value. After all, we humans are first and foremost emotional beings. Best regards man, take care 👍
I found a beautiful antique katana from the 1600s on a website from Japan. It's so beautiful that even though the price is high it seems it should be much higher. The only real thing stopping me from getting it is the fact that I do not feel worthy of owning such an instrument.
1. Be sharp, ok. 2. Be beautiful. I have a problem with this. Beauty is subjective, so someone could simply say a sword is not beautiful if they don't want to consider it a katana. 3. Be deified. This is basically "be a katana fanboy." Swords do not have supernatural powers, gods and magic don't exist. A katana is a sharp curved sword with a disc guard and a two handed handle. Get over it.
@@victoriazero8869 I understand Japan’s desire to preserve their culture but it’s a shame that they don’t get to enjoy artifacts from other cultures. I could go to a museum here in the United States and see swords from all over the world but in Japan the only sword you’ll see in a museum is a katana.
@@MikeEstacio Historical Europe isn't exactly popular in Japanese media, and the same goes with pop culture. There's simply no market for 'casual sword user' there. Either you're a true practicioner, or you're not. Meanwhile outside Japan, you have a broad range of customers between mall ninja wannabe and HEMA athletes and historical reenactor fighting in battle armor.
Thank you for your opinion. I agree with most of the reasons for your opinion, but am left wondering about something pertaining to my religion, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. A sword was given the monk Nichren, which of course is baffling as monks are explicitly non-violent (or at least NIchiren had taken such a vow, as I've been told). Rather than refusing the gift Nichiren kept and used upon which he hung his prayer beads. Thus the sword is called the "Juzumaru." However in Shoshu we are not allowed to walk through or under another sect's tori or gate. We may enter shrines and temples or other sects, but we may not pray nor make offerings and we must walk on the outside of the gate. These seem to be conflicting positions if divinity as an absolute requirement... or Nichiren didn't hold such a rule... or perhaps Juzumaru wasn't opened with a Shinto deity... I do not know what the resolution is. You might not either, but perhaps you have further insight on such a matter.
Very fascinating! I guess the people might not realize the nuisances of the question they ask. I myself have no interest in buying a sword... but it seems to me that there are junk pieces worth a few bucks, quality "katana style" swords in the hundreds of dollar range, and legit kantana that are extremely expensive. I'm, guessing people who are asking are trying find a decent katana style sword and avoid buying junk for a few hundred bucks.
This is when I respect people of weaponry. When they also teach the TIME and PLACE for it. Being a RESPONSIBLE owner of such ART. When we teach with respect for the item, tool, and weapon. Knowledge is power.
Depends on belief, there are wooden "katanas" even, depends on definition. We are in age where product having 1% of something is defined as that "something". Then it depends on how much it is close to that...
Hey Shogo, I actually thought of a reason that I didn't see in your video, or in the comments section. When you buy a sword online, as with anything, it would take a while for you to get it in your hands. And particularly with swords, that typically means you cannot test how the sword would feel in your hand beforehand (balance, grip, sturdiness, etc), meaning you would only be going based on appearance and charted measurements, which could lead to it just being a decoration if the site has a no-refund policy or you don't know how to go about returning it.
We have the same system here in America to keep people safe from dangerous weapons. A full auto M16 cost over $20,000. That's why we all own simi-auto AR15's
If you guys want to there’s a video from Shadiversity where they test a $3000 katana but it is weaker compared to a $200 with modern forging. Basically they said that folding modern steel creates imperfections since modern steel is already refined unlike traditional steel like tamahagane that needs to remove such impurities.
Arrigato gosaymas Shogo san, what you say is very clear. Outer of Japan they make better Katana yes but, here we will never forget to say thank you all swordsmiths in the history that they have founded a so much beatifull desing of a Katana. In my and many others' eyes, a nihonto is one of the most beautiful blades in human history. It is simply beautiful. Shogo San, you say Nihonto is not expensive if you want to stay within the law in Japan. Nihonto are expensive and this is justified because they are traditionally made, they are not mass-produced and each one is unique. We know about the manufacturing effort and production time of a Nihonto. That justifies the price. I personally respect your love for your cultural assets and I find it honorable how you preserve it. Sayonara Shogo san
The U.K. has similar laws but exemptions are made for antiques. So I can buy an original British 1796 pattern cavalry sabre, but not a replica, unless I can prove it is for re enactment or historical fencing. But can you import ‘shin gunto’ if the blade is earlier and traditionally made, rather than a Seki arsenal made one? And would you need to have it shipped to you in a shirasaya?
I’m curious what you think of the katanas produced and/or used in the first half of the 20th century. From what I know there were a few different mass productions, and there was a common practice of officers carrying them, like swords in the British army. Do you know anything about this and have any thoughts you could share?
katana replica? it looks like one but wasn't officially made with traditional methods. i never considered any of them officially katanas as well. but for myself getting a traditionally made katana from japanese bladesmiths is extremely difficult or near impossible because of my country's legislations. so i would have to resort to katana replicas made within europe, most probably coming from spain where a lot swords are still made. if i wanted to get one from japan, i would first have to consult with a lawyer.
@@jaketheasianguy3307 that’s pretty much spot on, but theoretically how would any sword be named if it was never tied to any country and no one knows words like katana, jian, dao, samurai or tachi and the like but sword nerds still want to categorize it because that’s what we do. There’s tons of swords named by the country they’re from word for “sword” or the closest word to it. I think if we couldn’t refer to every variation swords simply based on the location and language that the names would either end up being direct descriptions or they’d be named by their specialized purpose like. Thrusting sword or anti cavalry sword.
Hey Shogo! I have a question. According to your explanation on what makes a katana a work of art instead of a weapon, how would non-katana swords be viewed legally? After all, all the rules mentioned only relate to the method the sword is made, not the design of the sword itself. What if a sword smith in Japan made a Viking Seax, German longsword, Indian talwar, or any other type of non-katana sword, but still used tamahagane steel, fold forged it, tempered it, and created beautiful inlays? That’s a sword that’s obviously not a katana, but still follows every single one of those regulations.
Thanks for video 🙏 However, I read The book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi, and I support his opinion, that it is not essential to bind yourself to the concrete weapon. Much more important is to develop yourself as a warrior by the spirit, knowledge, ascetic practice and training. To my point of view the weapon (katana) is just a way to develop the spirit of warrior. But it doesn't make a warrior from a man by itself.
I see Katanas on sale on eBay from Japan, Japanese dealers. Is it okay to purchase vintage or antique katanas from them and must a katana be signed on the bottom of the blade in order to be considered authentic?
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why is this not pinned
What's your thoughts about your county invading Indonesia in the past?, Does your country's history doesn't teaches about how your country invading a lot of place in the past?
My personal issue with the site you listed, is that the katanas start at $7,500 (they’re also custom made so I have no idea what’s going on past blade length). To be honest, I’d rather just go to Japan to get one since I’d be spending several thousand dollars plus shipping and handling.
@@lucashenry6281 I think going to Japan to buy one is more expensive.
@@outboundflight4455 Absolutely but if I’m paying $7,500 minimum, plus tax, plus shipping and handling, the sword is gonna be closer to $10,000 and I might as well go on vacation and buy a katana. Buying a cultural item and experience the culture first hand would be great value, personally.
Before starting the video itself, I'd like to preface that the only authentic Japanese Katana (Nihonto/Shinken) is hand-forged from the Tamahagane, which is a controlled resources by a certain company in Japan. Katana produced outside Japan can be either hand-forged or machine forged, but all of them are made of modern steel. Modern steel are so much better in terms of mechanical properties, but it does not have cultural value at all compared to true tamahagane blade.
Yup, if all you care about is authenticity then a traditional made Tamahagane blade will be the only thing you need. Still, if someone don't care about culture value, spiritualy, only care about having a functional sword for martial art purposes, a modern steel sword is a superior choice
Continuing from the previous post above, foreign made katana would be illegal because they're considered weapon and not a piece of art with cultural value and such. And as far as I know, Japan has no law regulating normal bladed weapons over the current limit (for example, pocket knife has to be under 2.5cm blade length)
@@victoriazero8869 I am from Finland so did i get it right. You cannot own any other sword in Japan than real Katana and your own cultural weapons? Kitchen knifes ok, but sword, dagger, combat knife and any clearly non too knives are illegal? I know gun laws are pretty hard there.
@@victoriazero8869 So where does the Shin Gunto fall into such a category? They clearly are made from Japan, but it was manufactured in modern steel with modern machine methods as well as using a cast handle.
@@firepower7017 Shin Gunto are illegal and if you found one from your grandpapa you have to hand it to police to be destroyed. And yes, other Japanese weapons are also restricted. Shogo said in the Video about 15cm blade for wakizashi and naginata but the details are unclear for me, though most Wakizashi came with Katana as bundled items anyhow (should share the same legal document).
I really love and agree with Shogo's attitude on this subject. It reminds me of a guy whose book I readwho was hugely into Harley Davison motorcycles. He basically said he liked Harley's for the tradition, the aesthetic, the spirit of the bikes, and the hobby of tinkering with them. That said, if he just wanted a quality motorcycle that worked well and needed little maintenance, he would buy a Honda because they're just objectivly better at being a two-wheeled motorized transportation.
Is the book you're talking about Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? I've read it years ago and has a lot of great insights about life. Even though o don't remember everything I've read (hence why my question here), I highly recommend it!
@@hugoleonardoamaral586 yeah, that was it.
If rather have a broke Harley in my garage than ride anything else.
harley davidson motorcycles should be illegal. absolute noise pollution 🤮
@@JadeHarleyCoffeeMug Ironic how you have Harley in your name😂
Sentiment, symbolism, and heritage. It's feels similar to buying a custom Western era style Revolver from a Gun Smith, it's very much about preserving the legacy of a way of life as a living history.
Which is why I want both of em haha
I feel the same way taking care of my late father's firearms and reloading equipment
I see the swords and firearms law as very flawed. It needs to be opened up to allow for European swords to be considered art, and to allow for a new category of sharp steel sword made by certified swordsmiths but with modern steel. The purpose of them would be to serve katana trainees for battodo, tameshigiri, etc. without damaging an expensive art sword, and increased safety due to the modern steel. Also it will allow Japanese swordsmiths to sell in a profitable market. The reason for the existence (and prosperous business) of those websites is because there is a market demand. It should be allowed for Japanese swordsmiths to own that market instead of companies that will degrade the image of the katana.
For someone who can afford real katana and appreciate, they wont care about those websites and still only buy real katana . And for someone who cannot afford, they wont care about how "real" the katana are, they just want some toys. Conclusion, no one care about allow for a new category of sharp steel sword made by certified swordsmiths but with modern steel.
I wonder how many japanese would like to own European sword considering it has no spiritual value at all.
@@kilercola And not much in the way of historical significance either. Most won't bother, so there's no lucrative market for swords there. In contrast, Katana is popular in both historical setpieces and pop culture, so the worldwide market is huge.
it's not that flawd since european style swords are not a main concern for japanese people, even japanese trowble makers
and that is the thing about laws, they don't need to be objetive or to have intrinsic value. A law is only and only needs to be aplicable to the extents that concerns the society it is designed to serve.
@@smallfish01 I think a budget market would complement the high-end market. Clay shooters often spend $10k+ to get a hand-fitted, bespoke weapon with custom engraving made especially for them, despite the fact that they invariably start off with a
As a European, I have to stress that importing an iaito from Japan needed the same kind of license and paperwork as if it were a weapon. Including a screening by the Police. I guess it would have been even harder for a shinken. Consequently, I cannot blame people who opt for buying from other markets, if they can get past that more easily.
I am pretty sure it is hard to order lets say real hand made viking sword and own it. Seems like all other swords are considered illegal weapons. So real viking sword would cost thousands of euros to get the right permits and fill the paperwork.
@@Resident-cb3yz oh, certainly, but there are other hassles, because of the non-EU origin, I didn't get into. Like having to go through customs and associated fees.
Why do you say as a "European" the laws vary greatly from country to country inside the EU in regards to importing swords.
@@Resident-cb3yz I live in Germany and I can order and own any sword I want. I own several sharp swords. I do not own a "real" Katana by the Japanese definition, but that is due to the price.
I've heard that even nunchaku(just two sticks tied by string) is treated as a weapon and illegal in the UK.
I understand wanting to preserve culture but from my perspective as a blade Smith it all seems so creatively stifling
The pros and cons of tradition. History is very important, but unfortunately focussing on it too much can prevent creativity and thinking outside the box.
@@domosrage5434 Trying to do it the exact way as they did in the past is the exact opposite goal of trying to think outside the box.
then dont make a katana
@@tommybrowne8759 Yep, and even katana swordsmith started to sell knives as main income
13:45 "Traditional steel has flaws." Indeed! Tamahagane is made of an iron sand (satetsu) found in Shimane, Japan. This sand is heated and the iron melts and settles to the bottom where it is collected, heated and hammered together, but not liquefied as with modern crucible (or blast furnace) steel where impurities are skimmed away.
Tamahagane inherently has more non metallic inclusions because it's produced by forge consolidation of a bloom. Even though it's sorted for carbon content inside that bloom, and thus can have a nice hard edge, it's still going to have plenty of forge welds to get it to that stage. And the non metallic inclusions in tamahagane can lead to failure under stress where inclusions may cause a fatal stress point, or where a weld fails and opens.
May I ask why not make more katana out of more modern day steel? I daily carry knife made out of K390, Rx45, Maxima, etc. They seems like perfect steel for something like katana.
@@kevinhuang888
He explain that in the video, mUh tRadITIoN.
Kinda like how swiss lose the general clock industry to japan.
There are katana that will serve as a better weapon and cheaper available.
@@kevinhuang888 Katana! Because tamahagane = strongest steel for Katana. That's literally all you have to know jahahahahaha
@@kevinhuang888 In the words of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof... "TRADITION!"
isnt impurities also gotten rid of by the folding process and why it was implemented? thats why i dont like the sites that say "it was folded 2000 times" because that suggests to me they were using a low quality iron that needed to be folded or they were folding it just so they can say they did because modern steels already have very little impurities or none to begin with.
There is so much misinformation and lack of knowledge about Japanese swords on the internet. I really appreciate Shogo making videos like this to help explain the difference between Nihonto and non-Japanese swords. For anyone interested in this topic, do LOTS of research. Buy books; don't rely on random UA-cam channels. You'll quickly understand WHY a real Japanese sword is so valuable, and how it differs from swords made elsewhere.
I blame the Japanese Sword industry and experts for not making the information more accessible to be honest
Yeah right
@@cyan_oxy6734 I wouldn't exaggerated it to the level of car prices. Right now you can buy a legitimate Nihonto for $2000+ and the market is cheap right now because Japan is hurting for money from the border closing.
@@cyan_oxy6734 Not all shinken are that expensive, it varies greatly
I'm so happy to have found you and your channel. You are my go to for any of my questions about Japanese culture and katanas. You need not apologize for your opinions....you are more than qualified to speak on these matters....thank you so much for your honesty and integrity.
First point is totally valid .
Regarding your second point I really would like to know what you think about master smiths overseas. The first person that comes to mind is Walter Sorrells. I feel disappointed that as a person in Japan I can't order a piece of work by him just because he's outside of Japan.
How do you feel about this?
While Walter Sorrells makes good blades for the western market, he is not a licensed swordsmith. The Japanese government licenses smiths after a rigorous apprenticeship period and a functional test of making a Wakizashi. I may be mistaken but only one gaijin every achieved a license and that was Keith Austin. Kinda surprised Shogo missed the fact that only a blade forged by a licensed smith can be considered a katana.
@@midtwnscott He definitely talked about that.
@@jsullivan2112 Eh, kinda sorta more glossed over it than tackled it directly. It's part of that law which also limits the number of swords a licensed smith can produce per month - two katana; not sure about Wakizashi and tanto though. There is a movement in Japan that is slowly gathering steam to repeal the law but it's not popular to stand in open opposition to it.
@@midtwnscott He definitely touched on all those things, I’m pretty much able to put things together on my own 😂
@@jsullivan2112 He glossed over it. The certification of actual Nihonto Shinken is rigorous and thorough, and yes you can't carry it in the open. You need special carry case for it, much like guns in some parts of the world.
I love this video and the great care you always take in respecting everyone with their own views.
I’m a practitioner of what goes by “Kenjutsu” in my country. I got my first “Katana-Style”-Sword last year and it’s been serving me well. I’m taking care to maintain it, though I’ll have to replace the Sageo ribbon and handle binding soon, I fear.
That said, my sword is a tool for my sport. It has its basic beauty that I love - but it’s not a deity to me, nor is it my soul. I imagine that one day, if I get to go to Japan and purchase a real traditionally made Katana, it’ll be different. At the same time, I feel that would truly be a piece of art for me that I might never use in training, for fear of something happening to it. So it would loose the ‘tool’-aspect, for which I am at some point probably replace my current sword with a better, more beautifully made blade with a higher performance steel which tamahagane is, in truth, not.
So, to me: Japanese, traditional katana are works of art that are to be treated with reverence but I could probably not handle for fear of my own incompetence, while industrial steel blades here are tools that perform well but lack in the soul-department.
Gendaito are pretty much tools to the practitioners in Japan as well since they couldn't get sharp sword anywhere else. It's the old sword that have historical values that you should never use in test cutting training since they have seen or involve in actual conflicts in the past
I can respect the tradition and artistry of the Japanese katana in the same way I'd respect any other traditionally made weapon from some other region, and I believe that retaining the knowledge and practices for such is important. My utilitarian side, however, is more likely going to value availability($$) and edge retention which probably be more readily available in non traditionally crafted swords. This goes for western weapons as well. I'd take a steel sword over a traditionally bronze or copper weapon any day of the week. Great video. Thanks for posting.
As a hema guy and beginner swordsmith, I'm really jealous of the japanese, their traditions never died.
@@atom8248 isolation is a great way at keeping traditions alive apparently
@@atom8248 don't be too jealous considering you wouldn't be able to do hema in Japan
@@sulkingsalamander6181 True, well for the most part. There's actually some hema groups but finding one and training (impossible to get swords that aren't shinken basically) is very hard.
You know everyone of your videos makes me respect you more and more and I agree with everything you said. I like katanas because they are beautiful yet deadly, soft (metaphorically) but also demand respect from its user and others so keep making these videos it’s helping me learn!
In a perfect world, a swordsmith hopes that the buyer esteems his sword as much as he does but in reality, value is ultimately in the eyes of the buyer. People buy katanas for reasons that are no less important than a swordsmith's reasons for making them and often do so at a steep personal price. We can only strive to educate people about the culture behind them and hope that others find the culture worthy of preservation.
I used to belong to the Bladesmith Society, as a junior knifemaker. To become a Master bladesmith could require as little as two years, providing your blades pass inspection. It was interesting that a bladesmith in Japan could be learning the craft for over 40 before qualifying as Master.
40 years is excessive and no longer based on actual skill, but more nebulous "cultural" standards. While it can be a way to hone the smith's attitude, it just feels like a way to put younger people into a lower hierarchy. It's honestly a huge problem with Japanese culture that the younger generation have tried and failed to change.
this video literally completely changed the way I look at and feel about the katana, thank you.
Heck, it made me seriously reconsider how I view the the spadona I use for HEMA; this was a solid video all around!
The whole folding stuff with tamahagane boils down to drive out impurities. In my apprenticeship I learned how to make folded and multilayered steels and we also learned why one would do the one thing or another. I see the amount of work and effort that went into the manual purification and appreciate original katana exactly for the craftsmanship and experience needed to properly perform it.
Where I live we have comparably a little less tense but still pretty similar regulations on bladed objects and I absolutely get the point about such strict rules.
I love this and the way you explained it my grandfather is Japanese and he trained me in the art since I was 8 years old and when he died he gave me his katana so keep up the great work and I look forward to more videos
Absolutely fascinating. Thank you. As a collector of wartime examples of Japanese swords made for the military, I found this most illuminating.
Well done, Shogo! One of my classmates was actually asking about katanas to buy in last night's class. For me, the fancier it looks, the more likely it is just for decoration. Like I said in your video of you buying your first katana, I had a gunto sword I was training for a few years but has worn. Right now my Sensei is looking for a way to possibly sell the blade at least to go for a more higher end katana. And for now use the way lesser quality katanas to at least train with. But I too get wary ordering from a website for katanas. I have to look at it in person at least before buying.
one of the best channels out there
thanks for adding the last part!
keep going with these awesome videos
L-6 banite and tool steels are superior steel for swords nowadays given the proper hardening and heat tempering
Thanks for the honest comment, you are great, dude.
I understand your points but it is still sad to see such a high barrier of entry for Japanese to do Battodo. I am sure lots of japanese people would like to try it but simply can't afford it.
Katana, often imitated, but never duplicated. Excellent tutorial. Aloha from Hawaii.
More people need to see this. I believe it is very important for the authenticity of the Katana to be kept and respected. I appreciate this well done video about the topic. ありがとうございました！
Like any special item like a Katana. You always must educate yourself and have to research both the maker, the seller and the specific model/object your considering.
Wow, great video, as usual. I love your modest and humble opinion on the katana as an art, weapon, and so much more. It is very appreciated that you have this cultural and broader range of understanding of the katana, and huge appreciation and understanding of the way they are made, decorated, presented, held at such high esteem and honor (deified as well). Super cool to experience what you have to share with us. Thank you!
I respect so much the way you remain always respectful with other's opinions and cultures ! That tends to prove that we can be close in minds, even if distants by earth and culture. So I wonder if you would try, even just for fun, a french rapière ? I think this sword is the best in european smith art, and many testings compared it to japanese katana. I'd like to see you making such a test ! Merci 🙏
The rest of the world: "SWORD IS SWORD!"
Japan and weebs: Bu...but art and art and..s-spirituality...and art ofcourse...
@@tiborcsendes5269 In Europe: "Rapiers! We sell rapiers! 2 for 1 sale, come get your rapiers while they're still fresh!"
The Tsuka-ito of the blade in the middle at 7:24 is beautiful. Patterned cord is pretty rare from what I've seen.
Hey Shogo, greatings from Barcelona, Spain. I discovered you last week and I'm enjoying very much all your videos, thank you for your work! Wishing visit Japan one day!
Heh, when I was coming up in my training in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, foreign made replicas were used out of necessity. Most of us simply did not have access to traditionally made katana by Japanese sword smiths, so a Hanwei sword made from manchurian rail steel or the like was regarded as sufficient for our purposes. As fart as definitions go, katana was merely meant to mean a kind of sword. What Shogo here is talking about with his criteria was what was required for a sword to be a true Nihonto. Also while the torei is very important, I think the outlook on buki in general and the katana in particular is a bit more utilitarian in most of the koryu I encountered.
While I've met iaidoka who regarded using an antique blade for something as base as tameshigiri as blasphemy (legit I've encountered one dude who said using a katana to cut something is like a catholic bashing a cross into a tree), my sensei used his koto for keiko and tameshigiri all the time. His teacher Sugihara Sensei used to use his wakizashi to cut open packs of squid jerky after practice.
I know people who use their antique swords (of european origin) to do test cutting with and one of them even keep a smallsword in his room and use it to poke at the wall for fun and close the door when he can't be asked to get up so yh. 😅They still love their antiques and take care of them, but have a much more playful attitude towards the items.
HI Shogo, I think I understand your point. Could I say there are different purposes for a Katana? Maybe you can compare it with Matcha, where you have different grades of Matcha. If you don't practice Tea-Ceremonie, you don't need the ceremonial grade Matcha. And so if you don't practice Iaido or other form of Katana related Martial Arts, you have an different perspective and conception of Katana. For example if I only want it for Cosplay or as a display item.
Those are what the alloy swords are for, made of a weaker metal and not sharpened so they're effectively not weapons but still look just as nice
The amount of deft craftsmanship going into incredibly unique materials that eventually produce a proper katana should really make everyone reconsider buying one online from “overseas”.
1. Money, because Tamahagane swords, even gendaito cost a fortune to buy and even more money to bring it back to your home country, and it will even cost another huge amount for bribery purpose to bring it across the border if your country have strict weapon laws like Japan.
2. People who practiced martial arts that see a sword as nothing but a tool and don't care about anything else about it will pick a sword made of superior steel but way cheaper.
@@jaketheasianguy3307 tamahagane Nihonto even gendaito are going for $2000 and up now. Just save for it
@@outboundflight4455 lmfao yeah why save up for a house when I could blow 2k on an AuThEnTiC kAtAnA !1!1
Its 2022 and everyone with a brain has a gun, also its my money and ill spend it how I want. Cope
@@outboundflight4455 My wife said "If I have a 2000$ sword, I wouldn't use it for cutting practice, not because of religious reverence, but because I'd consider it a piece of irreplaceable art". She's not Japanese, not Shinto/Buddhist, but do practice Kenjutsu, with literal basket of sword in our room.
@@victoriazero8869 pretty much and thats in the US where you only need to consider some taxes and shipping overseas.... lets says that 2000 usd gendaito will be have 4000 usd in taxes shipping and customs for martial practice even for art appreciation is too much for me.
Interesting and understandable opinion from Shogo.
Here in England, we Iaidoka when obtaining a sword for tameshigiri refer to the weapon as a 'shinken' which does not disrespect the legacy of the katana I feel.
Perhaps the term 'katana' should be protected and preserved only for the conditions of production and reverence that Shogo lays out, similar to the nomenclature Champagne, or here in England Stilton cheese, or Melton Mowbray Pork Pies made in prescribed manner and region and protected by legislation.
Not a bad idea.
My dear, I am from eastern europe, former soviet block. But also Japan fan (grew up on Kurosawa films). All katanas which i have are from Spain. Katana from Japan cost me a year salary plus, get i from Japan is almost impossible. I know its not original, but 500+ USD per one katana, which is sharp and functional is OK to me. But I am happy to have it and practice with it.
It's amazing how much the world has embraced the katana. It's great that there are people such as yourself that are educating people about what they love.
This was a really great video. I've actually always wondered about the traits that define a katana.
Awesome, well done.
I have a friend that lived in Japan for 8 years and had a Shinken made. Twelve months later it was born as 'Tombo'.
Well done, Sir. Thank you for this video.
I grew up in a household with sick parents. Mentally and physically they struggled to find their place in Americas middle class.
It sounds like the definition of first world problems but my father had an advanced psychosis and my mother had reoccurring cancer.
I got into legal problems and youthful rebellion eventually finding my own path to adulthood and back to taking care of them before they passed.
I bring that up because my parents were too busy trying not to drown in capitalism to teach me any culture of my own.
I started making a smorgasbord of my own with literature. When I was nine I read a book about a sword wielding people that wore their hair in a long ponytail, that fixated on honor. I didn’t understand that another culture was being referenced, I just took the things I loved.
I became a martial arts enthusiast. I’ve dabbled for a few years in Kendo, Thai Kickboxing and jujitsu.
I found a padded weapon fighting group with over a hundred people and we fought little wars every Saturday for over a decade of my life.
I love and respect what you do. I will react the same way to what you’re saying though as I would to someone telling me I can’t be a true Druid or Jedi.
In you’re culture I can’t, I’m having to build my own culture here because of my countries distinct lack of one. I took this a little personally because I’ve been working with metal in aerospace and have imagined using the technology available to make a piece of art that I’m understanding could never be a true katana.
Your country has a culture like it or not. And you are made by that culture
thank you for the video, one of my main reasons for not buying from a website would be the interaction with the sword. While you can look at all the pretty pictures and read all the stat-sheets you want , a sword (or many items that I would only buy in person) must be held, touched, experienced. For proof -the look on your face when you picked your katana in the last video.
You’re fantastic Shogo! I will 100% get a real Japanese crafted katana one day, but to justify spending that much money on a blade is no easy task sadly. So that’s why I do own a none Japanese made katana
The part about the blades being imbued with a spirit is important, it's also not unique to katana. For example, ꦏꦼꦫꦶꦱ꧀/ꦮꦁꦏꦶꦔꦤ꧀ (Kris/Keris) blades from Indonesian/Fijian culture also share such properties. The book Magus of Java goes into a bit more depth in that particular blade forging tradition.
Spirits aren't real so there's no need to worry
@@alskarmode Spoken like a mall ninja wanabe
yes, but not Japanese Spirit!👅🦗
Udah bang klo ngomong sama mreka yg *stingky weebs* emang susah n ngeselin
14:20 i fully agree
I currently own 9260 spring steel katana
As i dont have to fix it when it blend
I really appreciated hearing your take on this topic, your videos are always teaching me something I didn't know. It's been a dream of mine to own a katana for a long time, and while I can't deify it, I definitely want to give Japanese swordsmiths the business that they deserve
I would love to see a video highlighting different blade design types for katana. I love Unokubi Zukuri, but I wonder if that is a traditional design or a more modern or non-traditional construction.
Love your videos Shogo. In your future videos I would like to see you write the currency conversion of Yen into USD/AUD etc as this would help us to understand the value of some of the items you are discussing. Thanks Shogo, keep it up.
I think this is more like a strategy by Japanese swordsmiths to keep the production of Katanas in Japan and to keep the prices ridiculously high. Yes they are beautiful pieces of art but they're not as strong or durable as one might think. Tamahagane has a lot of impurities and bad properties as a material and it's kept purposely scarce to keep it's value high as well. Modern machinery, materials and processes can do far superior stuff than traditional methods. Sure the spiritual element in the elaboration of traditional Katanas is important to Shinto tradition and to Japanese cultural identity overall, but by no means does it determines the quality of a sword as a tool to cut / kill.
Edit: Not so much the swordsmiths but the sword dealers. I know for personal experience the amounts of money that are moved selling them to private collections and museums outside Japan. It's a big business and the whole certificate system keeps everything in the hands of a few people who meet the requirements.
Trust me, most Japanesd sword smiths aren't making bank. Until very recently the industry was starting to decay in Japan at a rapid rate until certain anime/manga revitalized interest in swords for young Japanese.
This is definitely another case of Japanese people thinking that their rice is superior to justify the ridiculous subsidies they pay their farmers. There's a difference between those who buy a sword to display in a case and martial artists.
Katana doesn't sell like wine and should not. Swordsmiths are barely surviving in Japan.
Yes, modern materials and techniques can absolutely make a better sword, but not once did Shogo state anything about quality of the material or final product. As both he and many commentors have stated, it is about a desire to preserve a heritage and history.
Additionally, Shogo never said _you shouldn't_ buy a foreign-made katana from a website, he said _he wouldn't_. He also very clearly stated that it was not his intention to make people think less of katana available online.
Awesome vid man. I can see your viewpoint pretty well., I am quite surprised there are Japanese people who let their blades rust. My father always told me to take care of my gear so it can take care of me. Hopefully, one day, I can obtain an old katana but for now I know I'm not quite ready for one and am still pretty happy with my edo period kogatana.
I love your channel! Is one of the best.
That makes sense, thank you for the video.
Shogo I am curious, can you make a video on what you need to do when purchasing a katana. Like the weight you should look for, how long it should be, and best for cutting.
I absolutely love this channel❤️❤️❤️
I know it probably isn’t the same, but both swords I have bought (katana / chokuto) I have prayed over them both for me to feel like they are blessed in some sort of way
I love the history and reverence behind the Katana. Are there swordsmiths there that a foreigner could apprentice with to learn the traditional art of forging a Katana? I would love to learn swordsmithing and practice Iaido. It's an art that I truly love and appreciate.
I bought a katana from Kyoto 15 years ago and I've also bought swords sold online over the years. I would say that in terms of craftsmanship, the foreign versions can be equally as sharp and beautiful today. They are also produced through fold forging and have a beautiful hamon through differential tempering. However, they aren't made in Japan with tamahagane through traditional processes so it lacks that final bit of special quality.
Very Insightful!
Very nice brother, informative 👍
As someone living in the UK there are laws prohibiting ownership of a curved blade (any length or style) unless is falls into a very small list of criteria the biggest of which is it must be tradtitionaly made and hand crafted so the only Katana sword I could legally own ever for Iaito training (thus blunt) is one that has been specifically made in a traditional manner. Your comment on the better steels etc. is the only thing I don't like about my own Katana and that it is made of 1095 tool steel and not Tamahagane, that being said I love it and never thought I could legally own a katana ever in my life. My katana is build to cut Tatami and Bamboo so I fully expect it to last longer than I do and when I am gone I may take the katana with me ;)
Thank you for your videos.
Currently waiting for my very first iaito. Luckily our sensei is a very traditional guy with deep connections to Japan and wouldn't let us go for anything sub-par. Thus already waiting three months for my iaito being made in Gifu by the Murayama workshop. And I absolutely want my sword to be from Japan and of high quality. The feeling it will serve me well for years to come is important to me. Can't wait to hold it in my hands. Mike, Prague
PS: My personal problem with Tozando: As far as I can tell, they're doing their very best to monopolize and destroy the variety of Japanese traditional sword workshops, pushing other stores out of the market and using very shady practices to do it. After my current experience with my iaito (which is not bought through Tozando) I would personally not buy from Tozando anymore.
Excellent video!
It's incredibly sad that most swords are illegal in Japan because there are some stunningly beautiful modern reproductions of European swords that exist on the market today and I think it would be fascinating to see you cut with some of them amd compare them to the Katana that you're used to. Swords like the Albion Principé and Knecht cut through a tatami mat like it's not even there.
While I really like this I have never even had the chance to meet a real blacksmith let alone know of one near me or around makes me feel like I simply have to go for factory ones. As a katana lover though I wish I could get a proper one made by a blacksmith. Your videos have been a large help on truly understanding the katana.
This was a fun video to watch.
For a follow up video, how about explaining the process, timeline, and costs of shipping a traditional Japanese katana outside of Japan?
Pretty much based on the country you're trying to ship it to. Alot of countries have weapon laws tighter than Japan so the process of disguising the sword, the money for bribery just so it could cross the border without turning into a piece of junk inside a metal crusher....alot to think about
I started teaching myself how to use a katana with a book called “Drawing the samurai sword” it would be amazing if you could do a video on the difference between kendo and Iaido
It's very important, I think, for people to respect the tradition of such swords even if they are a replica. In the US we can have "katana" in our homes basically in every state, however you aren't allowed to carry them in secret and if you do carry one you must wear it on your back and that is only in some states. Some do not allow the carrying of blades over a certain length period. I personally grew up with a father that collected blades and knives, he would maintain them every few months even though they where all in storage. I had my first "katana" when I was very young and it was to teach me some responsibility. I ended up letting it rust. I still own it, because I feel responsible for it and use it as a mental metaphor, but every "katana" or weapon that has a cultural significance somewhere I try to keep polished, clean, and respected.
As far as Iaido, I would love to learn if there where any sensei near me, but sadly I live in a pretty remote location.
Shogo, im honestly very pleasantly surprised with your closing statement...
The traditional and national pride of many japanese katana enthusiasts would never ever let them admit that there are functionally better katana being made on other countries... that said, like you pointed out, its only the intangibles that give special objects value. After all, we humans are first and foremost emotional beings.
Best regards man, take care 👍
I found a beautiful antique katana from the 1600s on a website from Japan. It's so beautiful that even though the price is high it seems it should be much higher. The only real thing stopping me from getting it is the fact that I do not feel worthy of owning such an instrument.
1. Be sharp, ok.
2. Be beautiful. I have a problem with this. Beauty is subjective, so someone could simply say a sword is not beautiful if they don't want to consider it a katana.
3. Be deified. This is basically "be a katana fanboy." Swords do not have supernatural powers, gods and magic don't exist.
A katana is a sharp curved sword with a disc guard and a two handed handle. Get over it.
Hey Shogo, if a person in Japan wants to collect European style swords is there any way for them to import them or would that be illegal?
Very illegal
@@victoriazero8869 I understand Japan’s desire to preserve their culture but it’s a shame that they don’t get to enjoy artifacts from other cultures. I could go to a museum here in the United States and see swords from all over the world but in Japan the only sword you’ll see in a museum is a katana.
@@MikeEstacio Historical Europe isn't exactly popular in Japanese media, and the same goes with pop culture. There's simply no market for 'casual sword user' there. Either you're a true practicioner, or you're not. Meanwhile outside Japan, you have a broad range of customers between mall ninja wannabe and HEMA athletes and historical reenactor fighting in battle armor.
@@victoriazero8869 they can’t participate in HEMA but they have lowriders and cholo culture in Japan 😂
Thank you for your opinion. I agree with most of the reasons for your opinion, but am left wondering about something pertaining to my religion, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. A sword was given the monk Nichren, which of course is baffling as monks are explicitly non-violent (or at least NIchiren had taken such a vow, as I've been told). Rather than refusing the gift Nichiren kept and used upon which he hung his prayer beads. Thus the sword is called the "Juzumaru." However in Shoshu we are not allowed to walk through or under another sect's tori or gate. We may enter shrines and temples or other sects, but we may not pray nor make offerings and we must walk on the outside of the gate. These seem to be conflicting positions if divinity as an absolute requirement... or Nichiren didn't hold such a rule... or perhaps Juzumaru wasn't opened with a Shinto deity... I do not know what the resolution is. You might not either, but perhaps you have further insight on such a matter.
“why i won’t buy foreign katanas”
-it’s illegal
“thanks for watching”
That was funny, haha.
Very fascinating! I guess the people might not realize the nuisances of the question they ask. I myself have no interest in buying a sword... but it seems to me that there are junk pieces worth a few bucks, quality "katana style" swords in the hundreds of dollar range, and legit kantana that are extremely expensive. I'm, guessing people who are asking are trying find a decent katana style sword and avoid buying junk for a few hundred bucks.
This is when I respect people of weaponry. When they also teach the TIME and PLACE for it. Being a RESPONSIBLE owner of such ART. When we teach with respect for the item, tool, and weapon. Knowledge is power.
Depends on belief, there are wooden "katanas" even, depends on definition. We are in age where product having 1% of something is defined as that "something".
Then it depends on how much it is close to that...
Hey Shogo, I actually thought of a reason that I didn't see in your video, or in the comments section. When you buy a sword online, as with anything, it would take a while for you to get it in your hands. And particularly with swords, that typically means you cannot test how the sword would feel in your hand beforehand (balance, grip, sturdiness, etc), meaning you would only be going based on appearance and charted measurements, which could lead to it just being a decoration if the site has a no-refund policy or you don't know how to go about returning it.
Thanks for the excellent heads up
We have the same system here in America to keep people safe from dangerous weapons. A full auto M16 cost over $20,000. That's why we all own simi-auto AR15's
I studied about Japanese swords and I can agree with most of the points you made
If you guys want to there’s a video from Shadiversity where they test a $3000 katana but it is weaker compared to a $200 with modern forging. Basically they said that folding modern steel creates imperfections since modern steel is already refined unlike traditional steel like tamahagane that needs to remove such impurities.
While I tend to agree, I do believe that every sword has a soul and a destiny... not always glorious naturally
Arrigato gosaymas Shogo san, what you say is very clear. Outer of Japan they make better Katana yes but, here we will never forget to say thank you all swordsmiths in the history that they have founded a so much beatifull desing of a Katana. In my and many others' eyes, a nihonto is one of the most beautiful blades in human history. It is simply beautiful. Shogo San, you say Nihonto is not expensive if you want to stay within the law in Japan. Nihonto are expensive and this is justified because they are traditionally made, they are not mass-produced and each one is unique. We know about the manufacturing effort and production time of a Nihonto. That justifies the price. I personally respect your love for your cultural assets and I find it honorable how you preserve it.
Sayonara Shogo san
The U.K. has similar laws but exemptions are made for antiques.
So I can buy an original British 1796 pattern cavalry sabre, but not a replica, unless I can prove it is for re enactment or historical fencing.
But can you import ‘shin gunto’ if the blade is earlier and traditionally made, rather than a Seki arsenal made one?
And would you need to have it shipped to you in a shirasaya?
How are antique Katana classed then? Are the deified and certified? What about wartime ones?
I’m curious what you think of the katanas produced and/or used in the first half of the 20th century. From what I know there were a few different mass productions, and there was a common practice of officers carrying them, like swords in the British army. Do you know anything about this and have any thoughts you could share?
Following.
I’m curious what would you call the look-a-like swords then, Uchigatana? Ray skin sabre? Curved ninjato?
A Japanese sword that's not made in japan
katana replica? it looks like one but wasn't officially made with traditional methods. i never considered any of them officially katanas as well. but for myself getting a traditionally made katana from japanese bladesmiths is extremely difficult or near impossible because of my country's legislations. so i would have to resort to katana replicas made within europe, most probably coming from spain where a lot swords are still made. if i wanted to get one from japan, i would first have to consult with a lawyer.
@@jaketheasianguy3307 that’s pretty much spot on, but theoretically how would any sword be named if it was never tied to any country and no one knows words like katana, jian, dao, samurai or tachi and the like but sword nerds still want to categorize it because that’s what we do. There’s tons of swords named by the country they’re from word for “sword” or the closest word to it. I think if we couldn’t refer to every variation swords simply based on the location and language that the names would either end up being direct descriptions or they’d be named by their specialized purpose like. Thrusting sword or anti cavalry sword.
@@badrequest5596 Katana is a type of sword not a location. Other countries katanas are katanas too, not replicas.
@@tiborcsendes5269 yes and no. depends on who is defining it. According to the Japanese's government these are not recognized as true katana.
Well, I don't have much of a choice, Buying one online is LITERALLY the only way I can even get a knockoff cheap Katana.
Hey Shogo! I have a question. According to your explanation on what makes a katana a work of art instead of a weapon, how would non-katana swords be viewed legally? After all, all the rules mentioned only relate to the method the sword is made, not the design of the sword itself. What if a sword smith in Japan made a Viking Seax,
German longsword, Indian talwar, or any other type of non-katana sword, but still used tamahagane steel, fold forged it, tempered it, and created beautiful inlays? That’s a sword that’s obviously not a katana, but still follows every single one of those regulations.
I came here to see cool swords and I've learned a lot about katanas and how are it's appreciation in the current japanesse culture.
crazy
Thanks for video 🙏 However, I read The book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi, and I support his opinion, that it is not essential to bind yourself to the concrete weapon. Much more important is to develop yourself as a warrior by the spirit, knowledge, ascetic practice and training. To my point of view the weapon (katana) is just a way to develop the spirit of warrior. But it doesn't make a warrior from a man by itself.
i had a cheap katana, obviously made somewhere other than Japan, giftef to me. I'm not a trainee in the katana, but I still love it.
I see Katanas on sale on eBay from Japan, Japanese dealers. Is it okay to purchase vintage or antique katanas from them and must a katana be signed on the bottom of the blade in order to be considered authentic?
very open minded and knowledgeable vid