Sword, Japan General view - Out the scabbard

The sword was the prerogative of the Samurai, master over the three other Japanese social classes (countryfolk, artisans, and merchants). The role and prestige of this weapon increased during the Genroku era (1688–1703) when it became the insignia of the social ranking of its owner. A symbol of strength and power, the sword engenders respect, even from the very first stages of its creation. The blacksmith will carry out purification rituals, recite prayers, and make offerings to the gods when he polishes a blade. The weapon is considered to be the soul of the Samurai and therefore takes on sacred connotations.
Relatively small, our sword has a slightly curved blade with a single cutting edge that extends into the handle, or "tsuka" by a silk ("nakago"). The handle is covered with shagreen, which is the skin of a shark or ray fish, and cased in lashings of cord, which leaves diamond-shaped holes through which the coarse-grain shagreen can be seen. Over two diamonds, a golden lion stands out in the center.
Despite being stripped of any decorative artifices, the blade remains the essential part of the sword. It is made solid by the handle via a bamboo pin, called a "mekugi." A mix of iron and steel, the blade is extremely sharp and is created in several steps, starting with forging before moving on to soaking and, finally, polishing. Manufacturing secrets were jealously guarded and only communicated by word of mouth, from master to student. This explains Japan's attachment to these weapons, which are to be respected and must never be touched on the bare blade.,