When making swords. a combination of 80 bundles of red pine
charcoal and iron sand blocks are melted. Using all five senses,
he determines when the fire has reached the correct temperature of 1,300
degrees C. He uses his will to make the tamahagane gather and become pure
.
During this process, he has reached a precious state of mind known as
" mushin "
Each sword requires 90 days to complete.
In his 25 years of sword making, he has produced 600 swords but only 75
are extant.
About once in every 5 years is a true masterpiece created.
A good sword won't bend or break, will always cut truly and
be light . Spirituality and beauty are important .The myriad qualities
contained in a Japanese sword cannot be expressed but must be experienced
to be understood.
For a
swordsmith it is vital that he breath his own spirit , will and
creativity into the blade.
