Samurai Swordmaking

Certain music selections have been removed due to copyright issues. Please accept our apologies
Learn about samurai swordmaking in this video from the United Kingdom's National Museum of Arms and Armour, presented in conjunction with the Portland Art Museum's special exhibition "Samurai! Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection," on view October 5, 2013 - January 12, 2014. All rights reserved.

[@fusionstar916]

I like this documentary. no one talks.

[@Araanor]

indeed the actions spek for themselves making it possible for anyone from anywhere in the world to understand what's going on without the need for translation. it also makes the act of viewing more relaxing in my oppinion

[@BigWesLawns]

fusionstar916 plenty of shit talk in the comments though ... to make up for it, y'know!

[@aviolaist]

Perfect documentary for the making of swords.

[@carllubrin8518]

zzztubazzz actually he just wrote haha dick head

[@danp1224]

lol

[@muchwow5782]

When the apprentice is hammering, the code is : 1 hit on the anvil = Hit where you hit before 1 hit on the metal piece = Hit here 2 hit on the anvil = One more hit where you hit before and stop When the master hammer the metal piece alone, there is no code, he's just doing his thing :]

[@guyavery513]

Thanks for the info I was wondering what they where doing. I though they where just making a beat

[@eiclan]

much wow yea took me a few minutes but I got that as well. also when he hits the work harder other than a tap means hit harder Good system

[@markvangorkum8091]

wow much hammer

[@Kenazzle]

much wow I thought it was just used to keep a rhythm but it's fascinating to know there's more to it!

[@markvangorkum8091]

No.

[@mauricematla1215]

No need for words when a true master of his trade is at work.

[@creeprnsidelink1918]

Actions do speak louder than words, this is no different.

[@tonystark-gz5no]

great words!

[@nammerc47]

But it is sad as the masters are dying off and seems no one wants to learn an art form.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

There is something truly hypnotic about watching a master of their craft, whatever that craft may be.

[@brandonsnodgrass7788]

Serial killer

[@GODOFGUITAR2112]

Forging even the most basic of knives is impressive to me. Seeing a master craftsman forge a sword, using traditional hand tools, is so incredible.

[@affanaffan227]

GODOFGUITAR2112 P

[@joy5608]

Kim

[@Sinister00777]

Slick ride

[@calligrapher2157]

I see many people arguing over the quality and quantity of one sword produced by a professional compared to a machine. A machine can produce a sword yes but its generic, only a human can give it life, a soul, a Bond in my eyes I would respect and cherish my sword 1000x's more if it was hand made by artisans with knowledge passed down through generations, skill from a veteran sword maker and a passion for the craft, As a knife collector there's nothing more gratifying than owning a piece made by hand created from a thought, transformed shaped and refined until perfected for a client you can't compare that to a machine

[@Bud-pk8gt]

True that, calligrapher 21, true that.

[@zipp4everyone263]

calligrapher 21 Absolutely! That is the spirit of the japanese smiths down to the soul (heh). Imagine having a sword made for you by a master with an excellent eye and perfect aim, putting his honor and pride in every step of the making. Imagine the process taking 6 months and a life long dedication to that one job (smithing, polishing and the other bits are separate jobs for separate people). The sword isnt just a weapon to them, its an extension of their soul, their very being (old samuraj thoughts). Who would have an extension of their soul, made out of dung, and still hold their heads high?

[@MrYingvar]

Sun Tzu would say, " give me 15 feet and a cheap Chinese made 38 Special and that implied soul of that sword wouldn't mean jack!"

[@CarstenNRW]

calligrapher 21 true, it also counts for other stuff as well. You can own something which is good and made by a machine which produces 1000x the same product in a hour and be happy about it or you can own something which is good and where you know that it was made "with love" by people who are proud to build this and who do something a little bit different every single time.

[@velkelovce]

Stephen Johnson you'd better be quick if that cheap Chinese 38 Special misfire..you might loose your head

[@tonyv8925]

Not only a work of fine craftmanship, but an art of design, honor, and respect. As a Westerner, I can appreciate the tradition and honor associated with this venerable art...amazing...

[@jasoncabug3137]

Who else find peace watching this?

[@exsappermadman25055]

Nothing more satisfying than watching people who know exactly what they are doing. In this case, masters at work.....

[@henrybullard8411]

Me...

[@exsappermadman25055]

@@henrybullard8411 You must have been up all night thinking about that reply.....

[@henrybullard8411]

@@exsappermadman25055 LOL

[@exsappermadman25055]

@@henrybullard8411 Good to see people still have a sense of humour on here man!....Loads of touchy wee twats about....

[@Cara.314]

It's so wonderful we get to see such a craft be performed. There is so much history here.

[@jackedwards624]

i know i feel honered to see them craft such a beatiful blade.. a craft to be respected.. its my favorite era of warrior (the samurai)..

[@alexdavinci9533]

Hold my beer. Imma make a better sword than these guys.

[@taoaoal]

+Alex da Vinci Get 'r done!

[@MontanaCheeky]

+Alex da Vinci Remember the dying art of the Coopers when you come back to your beer :)

[@MontanaCheeky]

+Cara Diann And its so good to see people appreciating this history, were loosing many old crafts today.

[@gutz1981]

The video gave you an extra 2 minutes of blank screen at the end for you to take all in all the great skill you have just witnessed.

[@JohnH0130]

Actually I was hoping to get a good long hilt to tip look at the finished sword, but no luck. Kind of an anticlimax.

[@d-tailgames3314]

gutz1981 pretty much

[@Karadjordje2]

Hahaha

[@Karadjordje2]

John H me too

[@yous2244]

Or probably just bad editing 😂😂😂😂

[@AlbertoRodriguez-ju6hc]

I remember watching a documentary on TV, It said that without the soft steel core the hard steel blade would be brittle, and can shatter like glass. It's got to have a little flex to it so it can absorb energy, so when you clash swords it won't break, well it makes the solid steel better it's still hammering out some of the impurities in the core, but it needs some to make it flex. Beautiful documentary on TV, and beautiful video here to, I love it.

[@paulatudor691]

Yes I had a custom made knife snapped when I twisted it in deer deboning was my fault but I finished with my German bulldog pocket knife

[@drmindriot]

These dudes are totally awesome. I love how they fully devote themselves to their craft.

[@TheGrizzlyGarage]

Who else watched the entire video in an awe induced trance?

[@mrtomtee832]

GrizzlyTV me :)

[@TheKillingMachine928]

GrizzlyTV This video was very calming yet very fascinating to watch.

[@skyzinmczin]

me and my cousin i open my mouth the hole time and my cousin

[@devilmaycry7270]

Not only was i in a trance i watched it while i was at work

[@jalex4746]

Its the hypnotic traditional Japanese music combine with art, patience and mastery of sword making.

[@brandonvreeburg4064]

there's something very therapeutic about watching this video

[@astralfall3628]

There is

[@gennesta9296]

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

[@nundalatacama3613]

+Brandon Vreeburg Seeing videos of people doing stuff is very destressing for stressed people. If you liked it very much, you were particulary stressed in that moment.

[@DonPeyote420]

It's called Zen :)

[@TheMrhyde38]

Peaceful music & violent pounding. Summary of possible good sex.

[@514155]

I've come to learn that a lot of Japanese traditional crafts are collaborative work of many craftsmen as well-displayed on this video. Truly fascinating!

[@howchen8529]

I love the fact that they work without exchange a word Such dedication

[@KantoeLegit]

I just love how they make almost a rhythm with their hammers. It's beautiful how classic swordsmiths work.

[@BigWesLawns]

KantoeLegit it's timing the cool down of the metal. cant trust your eyes, gotta keep time. @work, war, play, & ritual.

[@Dobie_ByTor]

This is one of the most relaxing and mesmerizing videos I've seen. I can't get enough. I'd wish to go to Japan to watch the entire traditional process, firsthand.

[@stevesyncox9893]

There is a good doc, “Springhammer”.

[@esh5576]

real samurai swords takes months to finish, can you stay still..?

[@killerinstinct8595]

yes

[@cdmChase1]

@@esh5576 I would, I'd even clean up and run errands just to watch this dying art..

[@esh5576]

@@cdmChase1 worth sacrifice..

[@TheLotsafun]

Silently, the master is guiding his disciples every strike in a rhythm of taps and strikes

[@jasonfryer7002]

Every time I watch one of these ..I am mesmerized..!..hypnotized by the rhrythmic "clink" and "tonk" of the hammers, the crackle and pop of the searing flames....no narration, no words, only the iambic pentameter of the steel...the music barely coming through the back ground simply adds a little extra ethereal touch. This almost induces me to a dreamlike state

[@Bleh197]

I have no idea why am i watching this but i love it

[@mahmoodanwer1416]

yes

[@nebyaaaaaaaaattttt]

i was just watching a bleach tensa zangetsu sword unboxing and then i searched this cuz i was jelly af

[@tpfomabunghole]

it's the art of making a weapon that has no equal. I mean there's alot of blade smiths out there who can design and craft swords but this is the art of making a sword. it's the discipline that makes this sword way above the rest

[@lexmatthewtheurbanavenger7801]

+Reverse Flash real nice

[@GuildofKnightlyArts]

What they made is a sword which can cut through the fabric of the space-time continuum!!! Remember and heed the words of Miyamota Suzukishama: "With great power comes great responsibility."

[@RyanSmitas]

Does anyone else feel that as they watch this, it feels like a meditation?

[@juarezmenegassi]

+ryan smitas I was thinking about the lack of words...the meditative silence...we need it very much these days. Thank you!

[@captainsnarky6949]

Absolutely. You can see it in their motions and in their faces. Every step of the sword making process is a meditation to the artisans. Each little strike of the hammer or carve of the chisel is performed with complete mindfulness and focused intention.

[@dongchankim2417]

Relaxing japanese meditation zen music + Something Awesome to see for 26 minutes = Best meditation video ever!!!

[@halfhuman3775]

Anyone notice that they don't talk so old hit the anvil with his hammer two times as a signal to his assistant stop hitting

[@MauricioMerek]

Nice catch.

[@GriggsC123]

Plus when the Master hits an area on a corner of the steel they are forging, telling the assistant to hit here. Watch @ 6:30

[@username172]

Talking would probably break concentration

[@kumaahito3927]

@@username172 and probably easier to show where to hit than to tell that the right bottom corner or a little above the middle area

[@ratuadilFF]

Ooo lu stengah manusia?? Knp? Mau ganggu aku atau gimana nih?

[@daleboxsell2805]

Pure skill and artistry beautiful to watch. I would love to have a sword made by this man. It's also wonderful to see the old world traditions continuing into the 21st century.🇯🇵

[@_yourbigdaddy]

U should googled for the price . I bet u will shock . 4ft long katana cost $2000 usd without shipping brahhh 😂 but i thinks that is worth it for this masterpiece . And for the collectors price is just a number for them . No matter how much the price , they will pay to get the sword .

[@HauteGameFR]

I watched it, smoking a joint at 4:27AM, alone in the dark, with a headset. This music and those hammers hits did blow my mind =O

[@markh385]

Same here

[@nemesisclan7204]

yoooo wtf lmaooo fucking same rn!!!

[@NansJunior]

yes I LOVE YOU

[@bozkoescoto9086]

I will do the same..right now!

[@aramwatters]

I envy you.

[@djDiagOnfly]

This video is very relaxing...the silence of a good maker has more value than thousand words.

[@dontbelievethehype1583]

These guys make the forged in fire judges and cast look like amateurs. Nothing cuts like Japanese steel. Awesome

[@j.vsmoeti6635]

and i love how these people chose to continue doing thing the traditional way, despite all the technology we have now.. traditions like these shows us a part of history in real life not just on books

[@TheNonplayer]

it a matter of respect and attention that go into an item like this and it shows...

[@DreadNawght]

Their ancestors shoved blades in their guts, of course they can't let go.

[@ookami-chan3328]

My favorite part is folding the steel. Also I like how the smith keeps the rhythm in hammering even when he is not supposed to hammer, by hitting the anvil instead.

[@ookami-chan3328]

***** Wow, it's fantastic. Thanks for teaching me about this.

[@sakaki912]

+Yelang Here's the code: 1. One hit on the metal: Hit this spot. 2. One hit on the anvil: Hit the same spot. 3. Two hits on the anvil: Hit the same spot again and stop.

[@ookami-chan3328]

+sakaki912 wow, interesting. thanks for telling me about it. I'm becoming quite interested in smithing!

[@KiSentot]

Japanese Katana is not just a sword. Its an artwork, a deadly one.

[@theerascal8050]

All the thumbs down..... how.... you are watching a true artisan of old. An artist through and through. The reverence and peace of mind state u need to be in to accomplish this is very rare. Incredible. I felt at peace just watching this video. Thank you

[@danielsutton4978]

What craftsmanship with the basic of equipment. Bloody amazing!

[@ArchenemyLegend]

I have no idea why I could watch this all day....

[@IzabelParis]

This is by far one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

[@ukdomfartter3708]

omg

[@AimForMyHead81]

Ikr

[@johnlamb95]

Historical weapons are so Beautiful the we often forget that they were use to KILL often innocent people brutally!!!

[@timothywade9982]

This isn't just what He does ,a swordsman is who he is. Absolutely beautiful work from a master craftsman !

[@abelcheng2073]

The one thing I find amazing is the fact that ancient people throughout the world sees blacksmithing as truly magic. Taking something from the earth and molding it into a useful object can appear to be magic to the eye of the beholder.

[@justmyopinion4584]

Wow the skill and art that goes into making one of these Swords is very amazing I have a lot of respect for their craft The swords have their own soul

[@andreonque1237]

No they do not, they have they're own maker or artist. But they are just metal, nothing more.

[@MrWTPunk]

@@andreonque1237 You say this because you don't forge. I'm I wrong ?

[@sgtspiffywiffy5799]

who else would love to and work with one od these blacksmiths and help make your own?

[@sobekflakmonkey]

Fuck yeah dude, I was just thinking about that, it would be so awesome to do this stuff, it would make anybody feel like a bad ass.

[@zipp4everyone263]

SGT SpiffyWiffy Absolutly! However it takes a lifetime of dedication to reach the status of a master swordsmith (or being recognized as one). But if i had that, i would put all my pride in every hammer blow!

[@TheNacional95]

Zipp4Everyone These are master black smiths, i would be scared to work with em. The feeling of having a glowing eye behind your head

[@borhanus]

SGT SpiffyWiffy the sword would look like Dick

[@TDog-ic7do]

Amazing craftsmanship. I’m hoping that this skill never fades away such as the samurai.

[@simonkormendy849]

This is a pure artform that the Japanese swordsmiths have been practicing for centuries, I have always found it very fascinating how they can create something very beautiful, and very lethal, out of a special kind of iron sand.

[@johnrussell7385]

huge respect for blacksmiths now damn thats alot of hard work

[@toastbusters7797]

Holy craftsmanship

[@numinous4789]

In Japanese culture, they believe in absolute excellence in whatever their trade. They spend a lifetime perfecting their craft and try to continuously improve, no matter how excellent they already are.

[@NocteNoir]

@@numinous4789 you gotta always run, because as you run, the world is running too :)

[@iiSomeone]

Damn, I've never watched anything with this concentration and enjoyment. This is the first video that i didn't skip any second of it in a VERY long time.

[@nonatoinacio1065]

É maravilhoso ver um documentário desse! Muito obrigado!

[@roflcopterkklol]

Oh the taps on the anvil with his hammer are signals to his assistant.

[@ArduousNature]

+roflcopterkklol OHHHH

[@dylanfontaine591]

+roflcopterkklol it's also to get off the slag on the hammer.

[@knucklehead9129]

and to keep pace

[@cdbsr00]

slag ...

[@knucklehead9129]

cdbsr00 flux

[@dongchankim2417]

Relaxing japanese meditation zen music + Something Awesome to see for 26 minutes = Best meditation video ever!!!

[@pedhen7154]

Totally amazing craftsmanship that is amazing to watch how it was done 😍

[@treppentripper8520]

A Sword is a wise tool. much respect for this master

[@CassiusColeman]

Gotta get back... gotta get back... Samurai Jack. WA-CHA!!!

[@volsang2091]

He actually says "Watch Out". Fun fact :P I thought it was wa-cha for so long when I was a kid.

[@CassiusColeman]

Nathan Cromer Really?! That makes more sense actually- yeah man, I though it was wa-cha this entire time. Thanks for correcting me!

[@volsang2091]

Cassius Coleman Classic CN, gotta stick together, man!

[@kennycoleman2048]

Cassius Coleman "Coleman"

[@kawsarhussain5448]

Isn't it Gotta get back... back to the past... Samurai Jack. Watch out

[@GarconBlanc]

I thought I was just going to watch this for 10 minutes while I ate some food but goddamn is this mesmerising.

[@ThinkAboutMyComment]

I didn't plan to watch much but those darned soothing rhythms of anvils, hammers and metal tapping is so gratifying!

[@ginchan9975]

Ive been constantly watching this video throughout 2 years and I still love it. So fascinating and calming

[@david10097cool]

No music now though

[@LittleRatLulu]

i find the sounds from the hammering to be very relaxful

[@syndicat4930]

I think I understood the code, Hit on steel: Hit at the same location. Hit on anvil: Hit in the middle. Hit on anvil twice: Last hit.

[@hereiseminem]

I think hit the anvil once is hit again where you last hit. I could be wrong though.

[@ronniebrozzo2863]

You are cool

[@feryczech]

yea, same thought here :)

[@pucheethereaper9220]

i think hit on anvil means "general" hit, and when he hit with the little hammer is for correction hit. and hitting on the anvil is also for syncronization of the hits.

[@Twocrudedudes]

I think it's more of a rhythm thing than anything. There are times he hits the anvil and the guy still hits the same spot he was hitting, and then he does the double tap on the anvil. I think what he's doing is keeping the hammering going at the same rate, but when he doesn't see a need for a small hammer, he hits the anvil and lets the sledge work it some more. When he sees a piece he can smooth out, he hammers it. edit: damn Puchee, you said it way better than I did

[@allooutrick8266]

It's amazing to see these two communicate so well using only their tools and experience.

[@mrpopaskidd]

Its like watching a person with 4 arms

[@blackmarlin3166]

We need a 5 month version of this goodness.

[@toth091071]

Beautiful workmanship.

[@ilkercetinkaya5115]

I feel like they are giving a part of their soul to the sword while making and also I feel like person who uses that sword uses his hand and also his soul. Maybe after finished or used, the sword gives some energy back to their soul like satisfaction or meaning to their life. I respect them.

[@Native_love]

When you understand all the steps (including the drawing and cutting), this video is beautiful! I just wish they showed the tang to blade area. I wanted to see that area in particular. Oh well back to searching and learning. Beautiful!

[@partyhome137]

全ての工程が美しい…ずっと見ていられる

[@DANTENARUTO557]

The audio is absent at strange places throughout the video. I still like to watch this but I remember when it had complete audio and good sync in the past.

[@justtryingtoseektruth.5884]

Yeah man, i don't really understand why they had to do this. The silence broken by the crackle of fire, those peaceful interludes with the swordsman, i mean, this video was gold

[@say_hello_to_my_little_friend]

truly mesmerizing! craftsmanship at its best.

[@killuabinl6753]

I am always watching video like this to sleeping it works 80%

[@findingadrenaline]

Same here

[@faizalam6065]

I am supposed to sleep RN but i am watching this

[@alibhj]

I dont find videos this calm can u help??

[@luisillo3511]

@@alibhj if you haven't seen them yet, try primitive technology.

[@mohddan9204]

i bet for another 20% you are dreaming as a samurai or blacksmith.

[@NumeroTredeci]

Man I respect Japanese fanatic dedication to your profession, quality and perfection. That's why almost everything what is made in Japan is a high quality product.

[@isaacmontgomery8358]

someone help me, im stoned lost in youtube

[@jecechan1509]

You're not alone man.

[@Elephant_Juice74]

+jece Mateo Hardest I laughed all day! +++

[@mcjunior011]

+Iqbal Haque only one way out

[@zagliolo96]

+Iqbal Haque Me too. That shit is happening too often

[@jimshorts8960]

Don't worry. It's a good thing!

[@mooneyes2k478]

***** " That was the most lethal weapon at that time " In a small island-nation at the other side of the world. And, honestly, even there, it wasn't.

[@AlanFrance21]

+haart123 We are all the same. None is better or worse, unless you listen to politicians' mouth-frothing. Iron working techniques come from all over the world. This laminating technique of mixing steels has even been used to make gun-barrels, [ Damascus steel ] by hammer-welding woven wires.

[@MatchenTheCrimsonGamer]

+kwanwow852 I think you silenced him xD Good job :D

[@lancelee9755]

+haart123 I'm sure china will disappear within 30 years due to overpopulation and pollution.

[@Saufs0ldat]

+LANCE LEE Disappear due to overpopulation? That makes no sense.

[@lancelee9755]

+Saufs0ldat As you can see more people means more resources.

[@ZygmuntKiliszewski]

Perfect documentation of the historic Samurai sword.

[@georgeturner3rd220]

There's so much that they left out of this video. How do they edge the weapons, how about sharpening the blade and the forming of the shank? So much that I would have liked to see, but was denied. I'm grateful for what I did see, so thank you for posting.

[@IhateYoutube]

I go to work in a white shirt and get it dirty working in an office.. This guy sits down in all white, polishes a Katana by hand and he's still clean! Damn those guys are *GOOD* ! :)

[@bearling477]

Yea holy shit, I was fascinated by all of them, When I get done in the forge im covered in carbon, when i get done woodworking im covered in shavings, and when i get done polishing im covered in slurry. I dont use power tools either, i make that mess entirely by hand, what the hell.

[@Jo_Kuiper]

They simply don't wish to get dirty, that's the secret.

[@KinuGrove]

now this is real skill and artistic mastery had to find today.

[@ashscott6068]

There are the same number of master swordsmiths in Japan today as there were in the heyday of the Samurai. Except today, there are thousands of people all over the world who can make them. Artistic mastery is easier to find today than it has ever been.

[@vulpritprooze]

@@ashscott6068 I see.

[@RAD-82ndABN]

So fascinating to know a person can produce such a fine beautiful piece of art, surmise in a culture of a ancient weapon of war...

[@billabbott6092]

I watched a Nova documentary on the same process, these master craftsmen were the technological geniuses of their time. Simply mind boggling.

[@BingeCenter]

I really like the way this video was produced! No voice to guide you! It mystified the experience.

[@kimm3423]

The world needs more people like this

[@GTsuji]

Incredible workmanship and skill.

[@frederickgriffith7004]

I remember our Japanese host possessing family heirlooms from as early as the 11th century. Many of them Samurai swords.The various Swords were all in pristine condition. The earliest ones were not as curved as the ones from the 15th century onward.Just fascinating. The host said the Swords carries the souls of his ancestors. When it comes to the preservation of their heritage, the Japanese are no joke.

[@JohnDoe-pn6sf]

The steel used for Japanese katanas is called Tamahagane sounds really fancy doesn't it? In western blacksmitihing it would be called "pig iron" and it wouldn't even be considered to be used for crafting a blade. Tamahagane has a very high carbon content so much that it would scatter sparks if it was struck with another blade. So to offset the shitty steel, Japanese sword smiths had. They folded the steel while smithing to distribute impurities and carbon content evenly along the entire piece, to homogenize it, and reduce the possibility of a "weak point". While folding some of the carbon would be released and eventually it can be used as a blade Folding a piece of paper gets difficult the more you fold right? Imagine folding a steel it would be pretty difficult and time consuming majority of the time used in smithing a katana was used in the folding process and then the polishing process. They would forge a low carbon piece of steel and a high carbon piece of steel in alternating layers then folded 8-16 times. Then they would Quench the blade Quenching makes the blade tough but brittle The hardness of the high carbon steels combine with the ductility of the low carbon steels to form the property of toughness Eventually they would temper polish sharpen etc and the blade would be done Western Swordsmiths would just forge the blade and tang Quench and temper sharpen polish create the hilt and scabbard Quenching steel is a cooling process done at a rapid rate to produce a martensite transformation, Austenite ( gamma-phase iron) Austenite exists above the critical temperature of 1,340 °F 730 °C ...Steel is usually brought to 1,500 to 1,650°F so when steel is brought around this temperature which is orange hot then rapidly quenched the majority of Austenite becomes Martensite a very fine needle like structure on the inside and the sword becomes incredibly tough but brittle to be used as a sword. Which leads to the tempering which allows the swordsmiths to control the amount of hardness in the blade eventually allowing it to have a peak amount of toughness without being brittle The point i'm trying to make it is because japan had shitty quality ore they had to offset so many ways to make their steel anywhere close to western steel majority of Japanese swords never rose higher than European swords. Let me grant you people some knowledge Let my downboats commence

[@SidewaysGts]

John Doe "The steel used for Japanese katanas is called Tamahagane sounds really fancy doesn't it? In western blacksmitihing it would be called "pig iron" and it wouldn't even be considered to be used for crafting a blade. Tamahagane has a very high carbon content" Oi. No, westerns would not call tamahagane pig iron. I dont know who started this notion, but I cant help but cringe a little every time I see it perpetuated further. Pig iron has a carbon content of about 3-4%, maaaybe 2% on the lowest end, but on average, what westerns would call pig iron, has about 3-4%. What the japanese called "tamahagane" when they broke down their metal from a tataras (The large furnaces they used to process iron sand), has about 1% carbon, 1.5% on the high end. No where *near* the carbon content of pig iron. Now, japanese tataras *did* produce "pig iron" in their yields (amongst the other types of metal that were produced within the same yield). The japanese had a specific name for this high carbon metal, nabe-gane. Not Tamahagane.

[@JohnDoe-pn6sf]

A steel bloom or "Kera" which is produced from a tatara had three types of steel with diffrent carbon content. Their carbon content varies from wrought iron(0.3-0.9%) to pig iron(3%-4.5) with tamagahane being 1-1.5% the misconception comes from the fact when forging the the outer blade of the katana pig iron and tamagahane are forged together. Only about 20-30% of the steel bloom produces steel suitable for blade production hence the need to suppliment blade suitable steel with high carbon pig steel which, then requires the need to homogenize carbon content by folding. 

[@SidewaysGts]

bob barker "your retarded swords are folded way more then sixteen times" What swords? Katanas?

[@benchmadebob]

yes

[@rich1051414]

Your facts are correct, however, your comment seems to lack any interest in the effort. Even though they had poor iron, and laborious techniques to make it work, it did produce a sword that may not be technically as battle ready as some others in the world, but still very impressive in its own right. The fact that the iron ore they had was of a poor grade is an achievement if nothing else. I do understand how katana's get way more attention that they probably deserve strictly on the blade alone, however, it has a tradition attached that is missing with most western blades. I do not like comparing it to European long swords, which was not even a curved blade, so its not the same kind of sword in the first place. Both will be better at what they were meant to be good at.

[@bassmanbilly1969]

Truly a Masterpiece is Made. I would love to learn how to be a Swordsmith, in the Art of the Katana Samurai swordmaking. Thank you for sharing this Wonderful Video. Peace and God Bless you..

[@nolezopucho3829]

I don't know how many days and how many people had prepared 1 sword .... perfection LVL 101%😍😍😍😍

[@Chuck1798]

This is so pure and venerable, i'm mesmerized

[@twlight76]

That guy really hates bamboo.

[@Raygun222]

The bamboo or whatever the material is, is used to test the sharpness and effectiveness of the Katana.

[@KhanggiTanka]

+Karmic Reballance bamboo was an evil yacuza who slaughtered his whole family now 50 years later he is still on a vengeful quest to seek revenge for his family name his sword tasted blood of his enemy though he is now 88 years old he shall not rest till he killed all the bamboo

[@tigerfloof]

+Spikey Husky *Yakuza

[@lutze5086]

+Joona Jalopaasi - Words or whatever the mediums is, are sometimes used to communicate jokes

[@KhanggiTanka]

+LostSinner and who are you?

[@Joe_vanni]

That's pure art. I love the Japanese Culture

[@panchovilla5767]

The 2 minutes in blank is to get out of the relaxing trance of the amazing sword spirit.

[@rayshotwell180]

Truly amazing craft work!

[@carlocruz4814]

The assembly of the sword is made in absolute darkness. Nice.

[@diamondbackrattlesnake4075]

True mastery and exceptional skill to make the world's sharpest sword.

[@ianslapfish4648]

World's sharpest sword?

[@Raygun222]

This video shows just how much effort goes into making such fine weapons.

[@skirne_]

hope precious things like making a traditional katana will be remembered for ever

[@niilonevalainen2884]

This was calming and interesting video. I watched this just before I want to my garage to make a wooden katana.

[@elsinorebrewing3841]

How on earth could anyone "dislike" this incredible tribute to total utter craftsmanship.

[@allproballista5555]

i have been rewatching this video for 3 years, ty portland museum very cool

[@codycallahan91]

ive been coming back to this video for years. This is my favorite katana forging video

[@Vadmagyarpanda]

He know yet, what is "respect" This tutorial is amazing from japanese swordmaking.

[@alichscaleblood2019]

Here it is, your first like

[@CrimsonCQB]

Everything is done with beauty and grace, that's why I love Japanese culture. 😺

[@anTsoziaL63]

Watching this video made me realise that the art of making a katana blade is so delicate, sensitive in terms of polishing the blade itself, and very intricate.

[@dannysanchez14]

Love respect and dedication is the key to achieve the real beauty of the SAMURAI SWORD...Love this video

[@RescuedCape]

I love the complexity of sword making especially katanas such an awesome thing

[@AlbertoRodriguez-ju6hc]

very beautiful. If I had it I'd give a lot to learn how to make, and use a sword like that.

[@machone7580]

Hattori Hanzo!! Unbelievable craftsmanship, no two are the same!

[@jackarrows1436]

You can't see how it transforms the curve and gives shape to the blade, then apparently just one mekugi is enough. Great Sword, Bravo.