The japanese katana was the sword of choice for warriors in ancient Japan. Its distinct features – a single-edged, curved blade and circular or squared guard allowing for two-handed holding – made it an effective cutting weapon as well as a striking weapon. It was worn with the blade facing upward, allowing the warrior to draw and strike in one motion. It was used by samurai in battle and also became central to the martial art of iaido. It was a symbol of the samurai class and its honor code, and was prized above all other weapons.

To create the katana, steel was heated in small sections and then quickly cooled, giving it superior strength and flexibility. This differential heat treatment is reflected in the wavy line, or hamon, running down the length of the blade. The hamon is a result of the different chemical compositions within the steel and tells us not only about the smith who created it but also the time period, school or place of origin.

After the blade has cooled, it is struck with a hammer on a wooden base called a tatami to adjust the straight lines of mune and ha, and then cold forged. The hardened steel, now known as Martensite, is then tempered to create the desired shape and appearance. The smith then grinds the edge with a stone and polishes it with a cloth. Lastly, the oil and fat are removed using straw ash, and the blade is ready to be scabbarded. Best Katana