"Even with its limited use in actual warfare, the katana was the most valuable possession of a samurai, the customer." reminded me of a quote by Fred Brooks (of

"Even with its limited use in actual warfare, the katana was the most valuable possession of a samurai, the customer." reminded me of a quote by Fred Brooks (of author of Mythical Man Month): "A toolmaker succeeds as, and only as, the users of his tool succeed with his aid. However shining the blade, however jeweled the hilt, however perfect the heft, a sword is tested only by cutting. That sword-smith is successful whose clients die of old age."