By lyuesword | 19 April 2021 | 0 Comments
THE CRAFTSMEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE JAPANESE SWORD Ⅱ
Tosogu Shi
The Tosogu Shi, also called Kinko Shi, is the maker of sword fittings. He could also be the fine metal jeweler or worker. This person creates the metallic fittings of a Nihonto like the Tsuba, Kashira, Fuchi, and Menuki.
He is also in charge of making the Kojiri, Saya Jiri, Semegane, Kozukaare, and Kogai.
This specific craftsman uses chisels, jeweler’s saws, files, and punches. These are necessary to create intricate details in the sword’s furniture. Sometime they also apply patina methods to put color to their creation.
Iron, brass, and copper are the most common material to use when making sword fittings. Yet a few copper-based alloys are also used. Aside from the base materials, the art of metalworking uses gold or silver inlays. It is also possible to use Japanese alloys like Shakudo and Shibuichi.
Togi Shi
The Togi Shi works as the blade polisher. He makes use of various grades of water stones to give the sword’s blade a sharp edge. These also give it a stunning appearance.
When polishing, the Togi Shi needs to constantly check the symmetry and geometry of the blade. After shaping and sharpening the sword, the Togi Shi will do the Shiage polish. This is the last touch where the Togi Shi concentrates on bringing out a few details. These are hidden in the steel.
Samples of these would be the Hamon, Hada, and crystallization design. Accentuating the details are possible using the right stones, tools, and techniques.
Also included in the finalizing stage is the finishing of the Kissaki, and burnishing of the Mune and Ji. The Togi Shi can choose to leave their signature on the sword’s blade as Mikagi lines.
The striped pattern is under the Habaki or on the back part of the sword’s tip.
Once the rough blade is complete, the smith gives the blade to the Togi Shi so he can refine the blade’s shape. He will also work on enhancing its aesthetic value.
The whole process will take a lot of time; and in some cases, would reach up to several weeks.
Earlier Togi Shi used three kinds of stone while modern Togi Shi uses seven of these. In the past, around the year 1600, contemporary high level of polishing was not done. This was because the greater emphasis was on function and not on form.
The process of polishing takes much longer than crafting. Plus, good polishing can enhance the beauty of a sword’s blade. Furthermore, inexperienced Togi Shi can ruin the blade. It’s possible for them to wear down too much steel or by disorganizing its geometry.
Both of these can destroy the sword’s historic, monetary, functional, and artistic value.
Want a unique sword? Feel free to contact us:
Email: lyuesword@hotmail.com
Website: www.lyuesword.com
Custom Sword Page: www.lyuesword.com/Custom-Sword/customization-options/Create-Your-Own-Swords
The Tosogu Shi, also called Kinko Shi, is the maker of sword fittings. He could also be the fine metal jeweler or worker. This person creates the metallic fittings of a Nihonto like the Tsuba, Kashira, Fuchi, and Menuki.
He is also in charge of making the Kojiri, Saya Jiri, Semegane, Kozukaare, and Kogai.
This specific craftsman uses chisels, jeweler’s saws, files, and punches. These are necessary to create intricate details in the sword’s furniture. Sometime they also apply patina methods to put color to their creation.
Iron, brass, and copper are the most common material to use when making sword fittings. Yet a few copper-based alloys are also used. Aside from the base materials, the art of metalworking uses gold or silver inlays. It is also possible to use Japanese alloys like Shakudo and Shibuichi.
Togi Shi
The Togi Shi works as the blade polisher. He makes use of various grades of water stones to give the sword’s blade a sharp edge. These also give it a stunning appearance.
When polishing, the Togi Shi needs to constantly check the symmetry and geometry of the blade. After shaping and sharpening the sword, the Togi Shi will do the Shiage polish. This is the last touch where the Togi Shi concentrates on bringing out a few details. These are hidden in the steel.
Samples of these would be the Hamon, Hada, and crystallization design. Accentuating the details are possible using the right stones, tools, and techniques.
Also included in the finalizing stage is the finishing of the Kissaki, and burnishing of the Mune and Ji. The Togi Shi can choose to leave their signature on the sword’s blade as Mikagi lines.
The striped pattern is under the Habaki or on the back part of the sword’s tip.
Once the rough blade is complete, the smith gives the blade to the Togi Shi so he can refine the blade’s shape. He will also work on enhancing its aesthetic value.
The whole process will take a lot of time; and in some cases, would reach up to several weeks.
Earlier Togi Shi used three kinds of stone while modern Togi Shi uses seven of these. In the past, around the year 1600, contemporary high level of polishing was not done. This was because the greater emphasis was on function and not on form.
The process of polishing takes much longer than crafting. Plus, good polishing can enhance the beauty of a sword’s blade. Furthermore, inexperienced Togi Shi can ruin the blade. It’s possible for them to wear down too much steel or by disorganizing its geometry.
Both of these can destroy the sword’s historic, monetary, functional, and artistic value.
Want a unique sword? Feel free to contact us:
Email: lyuesword@hotmail.com
Website: www.lyuesword.com
Custom Sword Page: www.lyuesword.com/Custom-Sword/customization-options/Create-Your-Own-Swords
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *