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The japanese blades consist of four different kinds of steel. A soft core, the sides, the back and the cutting edge. The characteristic curve of the blade only
by scns 4y ago
The japanese blades consist of four different kinds of steel. A soft core, the sides, the back and the cutting edge. The characteristic curve of the blade only comes into being in the hardening process, because the cutting edge expands more then the rest.
Source: Watched when japanese smiths, who have the status of a priest in japan, showed their craft for the first time outside of japan.
- hef19898 4y agoYeah, There are all kinds of cross sections on high quality Japanese sword blades. Or rather simple ones, no way every foot soldier had a 20 times folded, 4 section (or whatever that is actually called) perfectly polished and heat treated blade. Actually, come think of it, there are contemporary sources decribing how to straighten bent blades on the battlefield over some rock to continue fighting. If you are interessted, there is a book on that topic (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Japanese-Sword-Swordmaking-Appreciation/dp/4805312408 https://www.amazon.com/Art-Japanese-Sword-Swordmaking-Apprec..., Amazon was the first result that came up), it is really comprehensive covers everything from raw Tamahagane to the scabard, including guidance on polishing and heat treatment. Can only recommmend it! Buy the hard copy so, the eBook is unreadable.
- chipsa 4y agoGenerally speaking, foot soldiers didn't have swords at all. Most of them were given a much cheaper to make spear.
- hef19898 4y agoThrough out the ages every soldier carried a dagger, a sword and a main weapon. All made cheap if course. The sword is a side arm, basically serving the same purpose pistols do in the military today. A spear is also so much better on a battlefield, can be used in formation, has surperior reach and is cheaper to make.