The Art of the Japanese Sword: The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation

What a spectacular book. I am so grateful that, Leon Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara - (and the rest of the team that worked so hard on this book) - are the kind of people who understand the belief that: 'If you get you must give and if you've learned you must teach". Over a thousand years of teachings, of trial and error, have all been coalesced into this book and it, like the swords that come from Master Yoshindo's forge, is a masterpiece. Each page is a treasure trove of wisdom and techniques and the more you read, the more you begin to discover that the Japanese sword, who's origins began as a quest for the ultimate edged weapon, has now evolved into a science and an art. This book has changed my view of the Japanese sword and I now wish to do all I can to continue to learn about and preserve these precious portals into the past. I now appreciate that the Japanese sword is not just an art piece crafted by one single artist, but rather; each sword is a symphony - a collaboration between multiple craftsmen; smelters, steel smiths, polishers, engravers and carpenters who have all dedicated their lives to producing an item of true beauty - the perfect balance between form and function. If you have a love for Japanese swords, or if you just wish to learn more about the Japanese Culture behind their production, then I recommend that you read "The Art of the Japanese Sword". It is an in-depth revelation into all the hand-skills, the technology, the tools and the means of appreciation that you will need to get better acquainted with this fine craft and these fine artifacts. This book has greatly enriched me, the reader. And it has sent me on a quest to one day, (hopefully), be the custodian of one of these great swords. I say custodian, because I have learned that you can never truly own one of these swords - you merely look after it for the following generation. Wynton Visser - Jeweller South Africa.

The Art of the Japanese Sword is an Amazing book that details most of the aspects of collecting and appreciation of Japanese Swords (Nihonto)! It is well written in English with many color photograph, and goes into great detail on the different parts of Japanese swords, their construction, polishing and handling. It was written by one of Japan's best tradional swordsmiths, Yoshindo Yoshihara and two of his friends, who most likely helped with the translation from Yoshindo-san's teaching to English. It's a good an complete introduction on Japanese swords that will entice the reader into learning more about antique and traditional Japanese swords! Highly recommended!!!

great book for katana aficionados and bladesmiths

Very good!

This book is a must have book if you are interested in Japanese swords. One should note that it is specific. It covers the making of a blade from Tamahagane (bloom iron) through forging, polishing, Habaki crafting, and ending with the making of a Shirasaya (Storage Scabbard). The book does start with a brief history of Japanese swords ,Blade description ,sword appreciation, and a little about sword furniture. There are many clear photos along with descriptions that explain the entire process. The book is beautiful and well written. I wish there were about another 20 pages to cover the Tsuka,Tsuba, Saya, and other koshirae better. But I admit they are covered in many other books and are subjects in themselves. Buy this book . You won't be disappointed.

The book has great photos that are also learning guides. Is well suited for anyone who wants to learn the history of the katana and also has some information for the beginning forger.

If you are familiar with master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara, perhaps from one of the NHK World specials, then you will enjoy this beautiful book. The book can certainly stand on its on, but it is a lovely adjunct to one of the several videos about this amazing craftsman and his art.

Beautiful book, well designed, wonderful pictures and great information. Large format make it easy to read. I feel like I need to wear cotton gloves to read it, it is so nice! Like many books of this subject its value will only increase after it goes out of print.

Excellent details and marvellous composition.

Nice hardback book full of information on the design and making of the Japanese Samurai Sword.

This book far exceeded my expectations! Not only was it much larger than anticipated (which lends itself nicely to the pictures) the level of detail and the artwork therein are absolutely spectacular. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the subject of Japanese swords, you will not regret the purchase.

Se vi appassiona la spada giapponese e volete sapere tutto sulle sue peculiarità questo è un libro da avere assolutamente! Il libro è pieno zeppo di immagini di alta qualità che inizialmente descrivono forme e tipologie della spada e degli accessori per poi descrivere tutte le fasi del processo di produzione. E' stampato tutto su carta fotografica a colori (su fondo nero, testo in bianco). Ogni fase del processo di produzione della spada viene trattato attentamente sia dal punto di vista fotografico che nel testo. Anche i piccoli particolari della produzione vengono spiegati dettagliatamente insieme ai motivi per cui quel particolare passo del processo produttivo è necessario. Il libro elenca anche tutta la terminologia giapponese che descrive ogni parte della spada e delle fasi di lavorazione (essenziale se si intende proseguire nello studio su altri testi). Non mancano anche capitoli sulla creazione della shirasaya (custodia in bambu) nella quale viene consegnata la spada nuda perché venga successivamente affilata ed ornata. Molto utili e fatti con cura gli schemi riassuntivi delle varie parti della spada, delle fasi di forgiatura e di qualche tipologia di hamon (disegno caratteristico che corre sul bordo della lama delle spade giapponesi) che è uno dei principali oggetti di apprezzamento delle stesse per il collezionista. E' un libro introduttivo, ma è fatto molto (molto) bene. Dice tutto quel che c'è da sapere per avere una più che approfondita conoscenza sull'argomento e rappresenta una solidissima base se si vuole continuare nello studio della spada giapponese.

元々,一冊持っているが,知人に説明するのに十分過ぎる写真が載っている。 もちろん、外国人には自分が喋れなくても,この本が有れば強い味方となるはずです。