THE BLADE

Kenta stands over his forge, sweat dripping from his body. A lot in his life has changed after 40 years of being a swordsmith, but this was something that hadn’t. That gave him a sense of comfort. His family was spread across the world and he lived alone with his dog - it was a lonely life sometimes. That’s when the order for a katana came in.

It was rare these days. The world was modernizing. People hadn’t needed swords for practical purposes for a century or two but he kept the swordsmithing tradition alive. His dad was one. His grandfather was one. His great-grandfather was known to be one of the best in his time and even made famed katanas used in battle during that era. Now he made replicas and real weapons based on famous fantasy, video games, and movie weapons - and he got famous from it. But it was rare that someone would put in an order for something real and useful. It got him excited.

His tattooed chest continued to stream sweat as he hammered and folded the steel - kitae. He liked smithing with his hands as much as could and avoided any modern-day tools. This process took longer of course, but he thought it was well worth the effort. The blade was taking shape - he was tens of hours into it now but he still had many, many more to go.

As he started sharpening the blade. His thoughts started to drift towards the orderer. It was a very personal letter, he’d known the family a long time and had made katanas for them in the past. It turns out one of them had a seven-year-old son. Kenta had hidden from the world for too long. Maybe it was time to go back out there.

The blade was starting to sharpen - this might be his best work yet. Lucky kid. What was his name again? That’s right. Hayato.

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KENTA (健太): Japanese name meaning "healthy/strong and big/stout."

Tunren - Tamahagane

Hammering technique - Heshi-tetsu (heart of the blade)

High-carbon steel - Kawagane (flesh of the blade)

Low-carbon steel - Shingane

Breaking tiles - Kowari

Folding the steel - Kitae

Forging the stock - Tsukurikomi

Shaping the blade - Hizukuri

Claying the blade - Tsuchioki

Handle craft - Menuki