Although no longer used as weapons, one reason nihontō continue to captivate us today is that they embody the spirit of Japanese workmanship.

High-quality metal is essential for making a nihontō. Such metal is produced in the Izumo region using tatara and shipped all over the country. Here, we will explain about nihontō as they relate to tatara ironworks.

• There are many things about nihontō production that are already lost to time. They are considered the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship that cannot be imitated using modern methods, which is another reason why tamahagane is indispensable as an ingredient.

  Nittōho Tatara in Okuizumo is the only place left in Japan that makes tamahagane the traditional way. The resulting steel is sent around the country for swordsmiths to create nihontō.

  *Tamahagane was not only used in sword production. In fact, the term was created in the Meiji era (1868–1912) and comes from the Japanese word for “cannonball” (tama). Naturally, swords had been produced with tatara iron since long before the term was invented.

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• Forging Process

  1. ① Subeshi/Kowari

     Heated tamahagane is pounded thin with a hammer and broken into pieces.

  2. ② Shitagitae

     Pieces are arranged and heated, pounded thin, then folded for another round. This is repeated 12 to 15 times.

  3. ③ Agekitae

     Finished steel is again cut into pieces and rearranged for another heating. The grain will differ depending on the arrangement of the steel pieces.

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