Behind the Creation Mythology of Antique Japanese Swords

Masked in layers and layers of myth, legend, mystery and mystical nature as it is, the creation of antique Japanese swords have long captured and fired the imagination of many. Not only are the blades produced so uniquely different from their European counterparts, but the antique Japanese swords themselves are so revered that it makes them almost religious in nature.

Still, behind the mythology, there is an art that is reinforced by actual science and fact, which is part of the reason why antique Japanese swords are so appealing.

Partly, this is due to the ‘layered’ effect that expert antique Japanese sword makers are able to produce. Through years and years of study and practice, antique Japanese swords are not just a single piece of steel that is made into the desired shape.

Instead, it is actually a combination of hard high-carbon steel and soft high-carbon steel that is melded into the layers of the sword’s blade itself. In essence, the layers laminate each other, making the blade stronger, harder, and much more durable than they would otherwise be.

Furthermore, even the cooling process of antique Japanese blades is important. Without getting caught up in the technique, it should suffice to say that the cutting-edge is cooled fast, to make it hard, while the rest of the sword is left to cool at a much slower rate.

By doing so, there is a sharp, hard edge that is capable of slicing through almost anything, while the rest of the sword is soft enough that it will not shatter on high impact.

Truly, it is amazing how the mythology of the antique Japanese sword is really quite scientifically based.