5 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Katana | Answered by an Japanese Katana Trainee

[@LetsaskShogo]

Do you have any other questions about the katana?? Feel free to give me a comment here, or a DM through Instagram! ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） Thank you again very much for watching!

[@ChongLi99]

Shogo, please make a video about samurai armor and their masks.

[@kidthorazine]

@Andrian Clintton Garcia Maybe but it would be extremely expensive and difficult to find a smith willing to try.

[@kidthorazine]

@Andrian Clintton Garcia Japanese smiths are required by law to make swords with tamahagane steel. If you want something made out of tungsten maybe try closer to home, the Philippines has some excellent swordsmiths.

[@icspps]

If the term Katana is inaccurate when referring to katana-like swords that fall outside the definition of Katana, is the term Samurai Sword appropriate for such swords?

[@KurokkuSama]

If a Japanese Swordsmith apprentice applies for the test and fail, does the Swordsmith have to take the exam again in the same year, or the next year? Or it will have to wait again for 5 years?

[@ted5567]

It seems that the katana making craftmanship can be lost because it is dificult and very few people do it.

[@MaxBraver555]

besides, new generations for practical reason don't want to dedicate their lives being swordsmith, but rather have a regular jobs, besides, you need to own a land, tools and resources, probably some younger generation of Japanese can become swordsmith if they happen to be a child of a swordsmith

[@emperorfaiz]

@@MaxBraver555 I know there are some swordsmiths moved on to making kitchen knives instead that is more lucrative and useful than swords.

[@markfergerson2145]

Is the food grade clove oil available for medicinal purposes suitable for use in katana maintenance? I know that choji has clove oil as a component, with mineral oil making up most of it. I have been using what in America is called "baby oil" or light machine oil (such as that used for sewing machines) because choji is expensive, but would like to make my own choji. Are there any harmful (to the sword) additives to watch out for in commercially available clove oil?

[@Drakuba]

sounds like japan 101

[@shawnhiggins1005]

more like a monopoly, it's like a legal fishing job. x years in the craft under a licensed individual as an apprentice (who will not take people into the job to keep their own profits up) you can work for a fisherman without satisfying that requirement btw take an exam. gather all legal fees and materials to preform job most of the time you will see these sorts of professions being handed down to children and their lovers after marriage. and maybe a few close friends and the materials to do said job will be given to those who took a decent interest in the job even if it's not the kid

[@KateJohn2013England]

And that's just one of the reasons Katanas are so special. Shame there is no sponsorship or scholarship for all these arts. It would be criminal to let them die out. Thank you Shogo for bringing this subject and so many others into the light. Take care. Stay safe 🙏 John and Kate

[@leandrojimmy6960]

Should be awesome a similar video about o-yoroi, samurai armors and how they’re built Amazing content, thanks so much

[@JoeSteel1]

Much respect...and as I agree with you that Japanese made swords are and will always be the real deal, and should be respected...you can't say that Chinese made or others ect... that are not made in tamahagane are not katana...the need for using tamahagane method is absolete with the superior quality of steel in modern day...there is alot of crap that should not hold the name katana...but there are quality forges outside of Japan that do make quality Katana..and deserve the right to hold the name...I understand your belief and opinions and respect it...but times are different my friend....call them katana replicas if you like but they are Katana to me especially the forges I respect, review and use

[@mugensamurai]

I love Japanese sword craftsmanship but I can say the same about sword craftsmanship from other cultures as well. There's merit in all of them.

[@erichusayn]

What would you prefer the western enthusiasts call a modern production sword made in the style of a katana then?

[@giantred]

Fauxtana?

[@desimone545]

Katana inspired sword

[@torbjornbaldgrim7670]

Perhaps replica?

[@Frogger]

Katana inspired sword?

[@yuumisanada2803]

Katana mimic

[@jozef_chocholacek]

In Switzerland, one can own katana without a permit, but you need a special permit to own a sai (kobudo weapon). So I have to practice with plastic imitations, because I am too lazy to do the paperwork. 🤷‍♂️

[@xryeau_1760]

What else can be owned there without permit?

[@kidthorazine]

Yeah countries are really wierd about "ninja" weapons. Nunchaku are illegal in a bunch of places (including some US states, where you can literally walk into a store and buy a gun without that much of a hassle)

[@xryeau_1760]

@@kidthorazine Gimmick weapons scary

[@kidthorazine]

@@xryeau_1760 I wouldn't quite call them gimmick weapons, but yeah specifically banning them is dumb as hell.

[@xryeau_1760]

@@kidthorazine It was a joke on how people pass these sort of laws based on the fear of the citizens. To your Average Joe it probably wouldn't go much further with them than "This is a gimmick weapon." I understand these weapons' individual functions and collective significance to at least some extent

[@Ashworld]

It totally makes sense that why Haganezuka was so angry on Tanjiro.. loosing his swords every time.

[@Chirag_S_Kashyap]

Agreed

[@K00thryn]

Yea-

[@jgwproductions_worldwide]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me. I am extremely grateful and honored to receive such elegant knowledge. I will absorb all that I can from your videos and promote your stories to those who are interested. Your videos are very inspirational and motivating. Without you, I would have difficulty learning more about Japanese history, culture, and everything else that I am extremely moved and passionate about learning. I wish that there were more people like you in the world.

[@MawoDuffer]

I have heard that the curve is a byproduct of the heat treatment process. The edge of the blade is hardened but the clay insulates some heat on the back of the blade, allowing it to be softer. This also warps the blade into a curve. The many ways steel can be heated and then cooled have many different effects on the micro crystal structure of the steel.

[@Aerogelatina]

So, a Katana is to a katana-like sword just how champagne is to sparkling wine

[@johnzahm193]

I like how expressive you are while talking it really keeps the audience engaged

[@madarasamanta2494]

This is really difficult but if you really are sure about your path and dedicated to your goal in the end they will succeed. ❤️

[@thomasrobson6370]

The curve and the designs on/of the blade comes from the quench process, the "special" clay causes the opposing sides of the blade to cool at different rates. the uncovered edge of the blade cools fasted making it harder, to better take and hold its sharpness, and the metal starts to bend towards the edge; as the cover side of the blade cools it bends back towards its spine giving it the curve and this side of the blade is stronger. Because of the cooling differences between the covered and uncover sides from the clay the crystalline structure of the metal is different between the two sides leaving the design on the blade. There is an interesting history/story on the Katana's development through the ages. I watched a lot of documentaries on the Katana/Samurai (they basically go hand in hand). As far as requiring a licensed katana smith to call it a katana is like saying scotch isn't scotch if it's not made in Scotland even though it's made the same way with the same ingredients. Now if the "fo" katana is given its curve in a way other than in the quenching process (bending, grinding, stamping, etc.), then it shouldn't be called a true katana.

[@nakotaapache4674]

you are right. if something with bad peoples happens in some countries. New laws against the good peoples appears. greetings from sad germany.

[@VitomirMilosevic]

Nice & simple answers. Thanks from a Balkan native.

[@darthzayexeet3653]

In Germany it's completely legal to own a Katana or any Sword for that matter, you just need to be 18 or older.

[@whitehorsemilitia]

Same in the UK.

[@bitfreakazoid]

For sword making videos, I highly suggest the That Works channel, and for Japanese sword making Ilya of that channel has the most deepest respect for making them. I would say he's all but licensed to make them with his skill level, knowledge of them, and his dedication to put everything into it and correctly..

[@xPhantomxify]

Sorry, but only Japanese people can make a katana. Stick to your longswords.

[@testingbetaxion2235]

In our country, ''Sword'' is the essential item in every house.

[@xryeau_1760]

Good

[@yousefshahin2654]

Nice video Shogo :)

[@christianschulz2340]

i understand it is a very precious metal... thank you very much for your explanations... such swords should be handled with care respect and responsibility. happy new year.

[@Vinclum]

It not really precious, in the world of metal tamahagane is trash steel, even medieval European steels where much better. And the production method they developed had the sole purpose to cover for the many impurities within the steel.

[@Fiddler110290]

I would love to know a little bit more of the japanese polearms (yari, naginata, etc), thanks!

[@herman1francis]

you look like a genuinely nice guy

[@vrkona501]

As a Japanese Brazilian, this video is accurate.

[@Ry-wm5eu]

"You see those warriors from Japan? They've got curved swords. CURVED. SWORDS."

[@nickc3233]

I have basic knowledge of how Katana is made, the desirable property etc. But I have no plan nor desire to make one myself. The desirable property (hard wear surface and softer backbone) is needed everywhere, such as the crankshaft of an engine, or just about any knifes, kitchen or garden tools, gun barrels, drive shaft with a bearing surface, etc. It can be done with tempering or add carbon to the steel surface. These are the modern methods, I am sure making a Katana is an art and done using the traditional method (taking a long time).

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

6:45 there are lots of historical nihonto that are made from 'nanban tetsu' (foreign steel). This was even inscribed on the nakago in many cases, as it was considered desirable at the time. Surely you can't be saying that those swords do not count as real katana?

[@victoriazero8869]

Legally not. It HAS to be made of tamahagane, of which only produced by two companies in very limited quantities (Hitachi being one of them). There's artificial scarcity going on, because ultimately modern traditional Katana is an artwork.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

@@victoriazero8869 Perhaps that's the case for contemporary sword manufacture, but there are many papered historical nihonto made from nambam tetsu (foreign steel).

[@jongoodson5676]

If a person was able to get the master to train them and they do the 5 years, can they go to any country in the world and set up shop?

[@kidthorazine]

Technically, but you generally won't get all of the proper paperwork that way, which makes having the sword in Japan illegal and lowers it's value among collectors pretty substantially. Also you would have to find people in that country to make the fittings, saya, tsuka etc.

[@micahcampa]

@@kidthorazine so people who have their own work shop also make their own fittints but that is rare considering how hard it would be to learn all the trades but some people can

[@Fraggr92]

Sounds like it would be difficult. You'd have to find some ways to source all the necessary materials from Japan, as well as somehow finding a way to get all the necessary official documents and licensing for each sword you make from outside Japan, which sounds like a nightmare. Especially when you consider that the Japanese tend to be fairly beurocratic.

[@Dark_Lord_Mr_B]

I recall that the purchase of a katana in Japan for export also depends on the status of the sword itself as to whether it may be culturally sensitive. It's what I was told by my teacher when I queried how I could potentially purchase an antique one some day.

[@Fraggr92]

Makes sense. If they let people export them all, then eventually there won't be any genuine antique swords left in Japan. And since these swords are part of their history, they'd naturally want to keep them around as much as possible.

[@Naheleniel]

As always a really informative and insightful content Master Shogo! Thank you for this video! 👏🏻 🎉

[@conradbaker]

Im late but congratulations for exceeding 100k!! Your channel is very informative and a delight to watch everytime.

[@miriammanolov9135]

I really love your style of explaining things. Always informative 👏👏

[@althesmith]

A Tosho doesn't have to use already-smelted tamahagane. They can also use their own steel processed in their own furnaces. Some use either electrolytic iron or sponge iron, or even old wrought iron, and process it to make their steel.

[@brandonward3551]

Once again very useful info for my next year's plans. Keep them coming Thanx

[@vaekehuaka8416]

Arigatou Shogo-sensei ! Another interesting video 👏👏👏👍

[@Riceball01]

One thing about the hamon and how it works is that a traditionally made katanas have what's called a differentially hardened blade. This means that the blade doesn't have an even hardness, in the case of the katana, the edge is harder than the spine of the sword. This is accomplished through the process that creates the hamon with the clay mix insulating the edge. Regarding the curve, Anyone know if this achieved through the initial forging process or through the tempering? I've always thought the curve was essentially built in to the blade when it was first forged. But I've also read that it was a result of the differential hardening of the blade and the clay mix used to create the hamon and when the blade was quenched, the clay mix on the blade caused it to bend, creating the curve.

[@anotherhistoryenthusiast5874]

It's a resoult of the differential hardening. As the steel get's colder, it shrinks. First the edge get's cooled, because it does not have clay on it. So in the beggining, the katana curves inwards. Then as the spine is slowly gives out the heat, it straightens back and slowly starts to curve backwards. Of course the balance shifts towards the back curve, because most of the blade is covered with clay. They can make straight blades by forging in a forward curve to equal the backward curve, that occures in the second portion of cooling.

[@rice2481]

Jojo reference!?!?

[@osmacar5331]

In the UK it's a case of getting a forge and touchmark. Make all the things you want.

[@KappaTensi]

I agree with you...those who make "Katana" without following at the least the traditions, the techniques and the materials, are not making noting that deserves to be called katana

[@sagitovartur]

Thank you for very entertaining and informative content. Short summaries at the end makes them even better.

[@viatueur73]

Shogo you rock dude! Your videos are very instructive and entertaining!

[@fishbones3650]

I think your question five is a yes regardless if its an art and has a registration, that is basically a license still even if its a registration form

[@safaa9654]

I loves watching the maintenace on the sword 😍 so interesting!! I wish you'd show your katana more

[@kygent508]

Wish I could afford one made in Japan.

[@Campinis]

Great video. Thank you for sharing this with us

[@KRANOS444]

Shogo I'm rooting for u almost to a million subscribers I subscribed three years ago love to see the progress

[@krishnachandradas8386]

Can you please do a video on how to remember Kanji. I easily memorized hiragana and katakana, but stuck at Kanji. Which pronunciation of Kanji is important.

[@kaveric_7614]

So katanas obviously aren't illegal in japan, but are other kinds of swords, like an American cavalry saber or European longsword?

[@CAVEMANsean]

Japan's history plays a pretty interesting roll in their view of weapons both in general and civilians owning them

[@MichaelMiler-r9o]

LaMont Sensei was my teacher, I practiced in Greensboro,N.C. at the Aikido Kodokan Dojo

[@dust6635]

Please when you start doing Movie reviews do the rurouni kenshin live action series i really love these movies and would love to hear someone who trains in the Katana's thoughts about it

[@MichaelMiler-r9o]

I live in Danville,Va. and enjoy your channel

[@jairusjanagustin8175]

Can you please review about musashi nitten ichi.. specifically double swords

[@LionGaming-pk9yt]

im happy that u make videos :)

[@itztony8189]

Thank you for answering our questions Shogo

[@rann_diaz1012]

I wish I was Japanese y’all are cool af

[@Armandthevampire]

Good informative video. Just want to ask a follow up question. You said that katanas are more regarded as art than weapons but later said that unregistered katana breaks a law where they are included with firearms. Did I misunderstand something or maybe lost in translation?

[@justinsadler5695]

"Hundreds and thousands of yen" Yeah but that's like... ten to a couple hundred bucks.

[@アヒル総統]

I think he meant "hundreds *of* thousands", which would make a lot more sense considering that would be in the thousand dollar ranges in USD

[@KoAkaiTengami]

They're only illegal if the keisatsu catch you.

[@sluggodna]

This is a great discipline.

[@ameerzuher5347]

Question: If i had the registration certificate for my katana does thet mean i can take it where ever i want ? And what it would cost to get a real katana that is made by a professional and licensed swordsmith ?

[@erichusayn]

Like double digit thousands for the legit ones hes talking about fully mounted.

[@szentineltorony4745]

It depends on the laws of your country. For where I live, I have to carry my sword in a bag when I go to the dojo.

[@kidthorazine]

You can get a real katana from anywhere between $2000 (antiques from certain periods that aren't in the best shape) to $10k-$20k for a custom commission from a higher end swordsmith. A new non-custom from a non-famous swordsmith can be found for about $5k-$7k, $=USD And in Japan, no you can't take it wherever you want, the police will be pretty pissy with you if you don't have a valid reason for having it with you and you have to carry it in a tied up sword bag.

[@found6393]

In other words, no carrying it on a plane like Beatrice Kiddo did.

[@pizzagogo6151]

Thanks, that was a great guide & very informative!

[@garba1984]

Love your videos Shogo!

[@nezuko5604]

2 words:DEMON SLAYER

[@theblueskyisstolensunlight]

Katana and wakidzashi on the stand ressemble to Torii gates, interesting

[@jim2950]

You seem to be different from other Japanese. I think it is because of your travel. I told a friend who was from Taiwan that he was Polluted . He said what did I mean. Your experiences from studying and living has made changes in your perspective on how you look at something. He laughed and said I was polluted too!

[@marcooliveira9335]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@RedBeanShroom]

Master: Your Katana doesnt have enough curvature, you failed. Student: Oh, sori

[@akiyajapan]

There is some extra detail information that some may benefit from. One is that if a blade longer than a certain length has a sharp edge, then it is considered an illegal weapon until it can be examined and registered. HOWEVER, if it cannot meet the primary criteria of the inspection, then it will not be allowed a registry, so the only options would be to keep it illegally or turn it in to the police (abandonment). *Edit: depending on the police you are dealing with, they may allow you to donate the blade to a museum, if there is one that will take it. The inspection criteria are 1) the blade or sword must be in relatively decent condition. In other words, if it has substantial damage, such as being broken or burnt, then it cannot be registered. 2) the blade or sword must have been made using the traditional Japanese methods only. If non-traditional means were used, such as machines for example, then once again it cannot be registered. With this in mind, even if someone has a nice military katana in great condition, it cannot be registered if it was made by a machine or other non-traditional Japanese method. If so, then it must be given up to the police or you'll risk getting into trouble.

[@shawnharper4450]

Awesome Bro!!!

[@Rayyan-r1c]

To think i already knew most of this by just binging on animes but one thing that shocked me was the fact that u can only find katana in japan which should be made by a professional swordsmith and not just that but u would need to find a katana swordsmen and train for atleast 5 years

[@1337hacks]

Walked past Kappabashi once and I saw shops selling all sorts of knives and some of them straight up looked like swords. Some even had woven handles like katana and had the hamon patterns on the side of the blade.

[@theshizlet1]

Could you show us a demonstration of polishing a blade? Is it done with a whetstone?

[@anthemlog]

I would love for you to make a video about guns in Japan.

[@daviddavila4965]

Can you advise on what to look for when buying at katana? What makes them a good quality and can u recommend any websites to buy from?

[@LetsaskShogo]

tozandoshop.com/ This company would be my recommendation! I have bought all four of my katanas here😊

[@daviddavila4965]

@@LetsaskShogo ok thank you very much

[@kroger8568]

Ok

[@kappananpa9495]

There are tons of sword videos on the web of so called Katana but almost none respect the traditional way of producing them. Kinda funny because when i was a kid i made a sword shaped thing from a steel bar after i saw a ninja movie (a silly one from the eighties). My parents hide it in my grandma basement to prevent me from hurting myself while playing with it and i find it 20 years later while emptying the basement. The neighbour's kid was fascinated by this thing and wanted it so much i gifted him. He was so thankful for it while his mum was horrified. Told her all the story and she told me with a grin they also have a basement.

[@uncledraw7050]

Hello, Shogo. There is data that shows katana's curve for cutting/slicing is just a theory that doesn't matter in practice. The amount of slicing it produces is negligible. You can find videos of european swords with straight edges that cut more effectively.

[@CalJennings]

Thank you for this information.

[@iWandering]

Can u make a new topic regarding the Top 5 or maybe top 10 most dangerous samurai in history

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

This is so informative...now, talk about a reverse-edged sword if this even exists in the past.

[@BreadApologist]

Katanas are pretty cool, great swords n all. Personally I kinda always preferred a saber or rapier. Though if I could have any sword I wanted and if it was possible to actually make....def would go with the halo / sangeli energy sword.

[@jahmarianthomas7684]

now i know why they made the khopesh have such a large arc in the back of it

[@krisswolf2011]

Does it really require the special oil, or will any rust-preventing oil like gun oil work just fine? I get “gun oil” is probably a rarity in Japan. Just asking about the necessity of “special tools”

[@r1pbuck]

Strictly speaking, any fine oil that's rated for cleaning, lubricating and protecting metal will do fine. I know some people that like to use sewing machine oil on blades of all kinds. I've made my own choji oil using light mineral oil [often used for removing makeup] and a couple of drops of actual clove oil [choji means clove] from the grocery store. It's cheap and it works just fine, and it gives a very authentic smell to your katana.

[@mysteryoflegend4196]

nice katana bro i love your video

[@tbjtbj4786]

How are the ww2 produced swords viewed compared to the handmade ones? I would think that any swords used in battle would be seen as some what spical even produced swords.

[@shawnhiggins1005]

5. "yes, but let's avoid calling it a license"

[@GrandMaster.Smile.]

I prefer to do the maintenance after every practice.

[@fujikawayamahada7770]

Why was sakabato made? And how is your English sooooooooo good I want to learn too

[@FQuainton]

I also would like to add that another part of why his English is so good is that he worked to maintain his skills with the language.

[@overdose8329]

He lived in the US for 6 years as a child

[@bat2424]

Very interesting video thank you. Question what other weapons would a samurai carry on a daily basis. Thank you.

[@Imdippinout]

Kind of interesting watching the cleaning portion of the video. I'm much more familiar with European style swords than Japanese ones. Personally I use a firearm cleaning kit when dealing with swords and it works great.

[@jamesspencer1997]

Whats strange is that flannel is a product from europe. It has a almost leather like quality..my teacher taught me that you can Hone a blade just on normal leather or even on just the pants of your blue jeans..the fibers of the fabric will move even steel.

[@ShadowScoutSwede]

Thanks for this information great video.

[@michaelwhite8031]

Many Katana are made from Nambun Tetsu.

[@mehdibaghlani4471]

If i were to go to Japan one day i would deffinetly learn sword arts from Shogo...

[@jokyng]

How much did you pay for yours? I heard it’s ridiculously expensive.

[@plei7395]

Is there any delay before taking a new exam?

[@neiadias2752]

now crafting a katana can be harder for swordsman and a samurai if i assume myself

[@Mortyr45]

Hi . It’s possible to make a movie about craft wood, carpenter tools ?

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

Interesting.

[@ReadySetJapan]

I remember walking to my local bar and one of the locals was walking home with one in his hand. (⬆︎Very rare) Since it’s illegal to carry them around.