Forge Your Very Own Knife With a Swordsmith in Kyoto

A young and ambitious swordsmith working in the heart of Kyoto city

Masahiro Tantojo is situated in the suburbs of Kameoka, Kyoto, and is one of the rare swordsmith studios in Japan. Here, Yuya Nakanishi, one of the few active swordsmiths in the country, dedicates himself to the art of sword making.

As a child, he became captivated by authentic Japanese swords on display at a museum. At the age of 20, he took an apprenticeship under a master in Fukushima Prefecture, learning by observing and practicing his mentor's techniques. Upon finishing his apprenticeship, he returned to his hometown of Kyoto to establish his own sword making business.

With a growing concern that Japanese swords were losing their cultural significance and becoming disconnected from Japanese people, he now actively hosts knife-making workshops for the general public in addition to his regular sword making work.

In this experience, you will create a kogatana, a small utility knife with a handle that seamlessly flows from the blade. This all-purpose tool has been used for cutting and sharpening for centuries. Using the same traditional Japanese sword making process, the "tamahagane", a high-purity steel material is manually beaten and stretched to create a 15 cm blade. While certain steps involve working with fire, the swordsmith will provide full support throughout the process.

Discover the allure of Japanese swords directly from the swordsmith

In modern times, opportunities to experience the charm of swords are becoming rare. To deepen your understanding of the culture surrounding Japanese swords, which dates back to the Heian period (794-1192), Nakanishi will deliver a lecture at the start of the experience that delves into the history of Japanese swords and offers tips on how to appreciate them. Three key aspects to consider when examining a sword are the shape of the blade, which reveals the era and school of its creation, the base metal, and the blade pattern resulting from a process called quenching. A quality sword satisfies all of these criteria.

The blade pattern is a significant aspect of a sword's beauty. According to Nakanishi, there are three essential elements that make a sword attractive: its function as a weapon, its artistic value, and its spiritual significance. All three of these can be observed in the blade pattern. He explains that the pattern is created by hardening the blade, and that the harder the blade is, the sharper it cuts. However, if the blade is too hard, it is more likely to break.

Japanese swords undergo a polishing process to accentuate the beauty of the blade pattern and base metal, which contributes to their value as works of art. In this experience, you will have the opportunity to create your own blade pattern and experience this valuable process firsthand.

Experience the art of sword making as you strike tamahagane and watch sparks fly

After moving to the workshop, the kogatana-making experience begins with a process called hizukuri. This process involves heating iron in a furnace and then hammering it with a swordsmith's hammer to shape it into a knife. After the demonstration, participants get to try their hand at making their own knife under Nakanishi's guidance. It is important to wear comfortable clothes that cover the lower half of the body and expose little skin since sparks of fire may fly during the process. Additionally, tools in the workshop may be heated to temperatures in the 100s of degrees Celsius, so it is crucial to avoid touching them carelessly, even if they do not appear hot.

After shaping, the tamahagane is rough and stressed, which can cause cracking if cooled as is. To prevent this, the tamahagane is annealed by heating it to 700 degrees Celsius and slowly cooling it in straw ash without contact with air. This process reduces stress and allows the particles of the tamahagane to realign.

You can choose the shape of the blade pattern, which ultimately determines the final aesthetic of the knife

The following step is called tsuchitori, which involves forming the base of the blade pattern. In this process, the surface of the tamahagane is covered with soil, except for the blade. Choosing between a straight line or a wavy pattern will determine the blade's appearance. It is a delicate process that requires careful attention.

Finally, the most exciting part of the experience arrives: quenching. Once the clay coating has dried, the tamahagane is heated again in the furnace to 800 degrees Celsius, then quickly cooled in a tub of water. This process is one of the most challenging, but experienced swordsmith Nakanishi will guide you on when to remove the tamahagane from the fire, so there is no need to worry.

A knife crafted by your own hands is now finished

After Nakanishi sharpens and polishes the knife to enhance its beauty, he engraves it, completing your original kogatana. While you wait for the finished product, you are welcome to observe the swordsmith's techniques or relax in the tatami room. You can inspect the finished blade pattern and engraving before taking your knife home with you on the same day.

”Tamahagane” produces a strikingly beautiful blade pattern. The tamahagane is the same rare raw materials as Japanese swords, which are only harvested in Japan during limited times and locations.

As an exclusive option from Wabunka, you can also buy a leather sheath for your knife. If you wish, the sheath can be personalized with a name or message, up to 15 alphabetical characters. You can customize it to suit your needs and preferences.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese culture by experiencing the art of skilled swordsmiths and appreciating their valuable work

At the sword making site, a skilled swordsmith will guide you through the process of creating a knife using the same techniques as a traditional Japanese sword. You will design the blade pattern yourself, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and precious item. The hands-on experience of striking tamahagane amidst flying sparks is unparalleled, and is sure to deepen your appreciation for Japanese swords.

From ancient times, swords were believed to be imbued with divine power. The process of crafting a Japanese sword is a unique and intriguing experience that can deepen your appreciation for sword making. The creation of a Japanese sword involves harnessing the forces of nature and the presence of the divine, combined with human skill. According to Nakanishi, the spiritual essence that imbues swords may also stem from the process of crafting them.

You can experience the precious value of the Japanese sword by observing up close the actual process of striking the tamahagane, creating the blade pattern, and polishing the sword. According to Nakanishi, Japanese swords have values in common with other traditional cultures, and realizing this can deepen our understanding of Japanese culture. By taking part in this step-by-step experience and challenging yourself to the work of a swordsmith, you can discover the beauty of a traditional culture that has been passed down through generations.