Why I love the sword

(based on the materials of Pablo Kunz.)

I am often asked this question. Friends, acquaintances, clients, “why do you like Japanese swords so much?” In the past, I answered in amazement: “… well, I don’t know, I just like them.” After that followed a long explanation that I appreciate their beauty, their history, etc.
and trying with all my might to explain the strange feeling I experience every time I hold a Japanese sword in my hands. And you know, it’s not always easy.
Undoubtedly, Japanese swords have greatly influenced my life. And that’s why I tried to understand this question more deeply, why I really love Nihonto (traditional Japanese blade) so much. It took me some time to answer myself and I want to share my thoughts about the Japanese sword with you, because I believe that there are enough people who think and feel the same way as I do.

* Note. These seven reasons are by no means a complete list (there are much more,
so it’s more like the top 7), and maybe for someone, they don’t have any important meaning,
but these are just my thoughts, in which each reason interacts with another one more
on a spiritual level.

Reason No. 1 – History

First of all, in the study of the Japanese sword, I am fascinated by history. I mean the way it was. Most of the existing Japanese swords are antiques that are hundreds of years old. Now I am holding in my hands a blade forged in 1492, at the same time when Columbus landed on the shores of the new continent, and tomorrow I will touch the blade of the 11th century and be transported to the early Middle Ages, even before the First Crusade. My mind takes me to distant places and distant countries. I always ask myself, what was happening in the world at the time when the blacksmith’s hammer created this blade? If this sword could speak, what would it say? Not unimportant is the fact that Japanese swords and blacksmiths are very well documented, and this is understandable given their place in Japanese history and culture. It really helps to trace the full story of where the blacksmith worked, his title and blacksmith school where he studied, the name of his mentor and his students. The symbolism of the artistic details of the frame often helps to determine for whom the sword was made and the people who owned this blade. It is the disclosure of the full history of the sword that brings incredible emotions, and with each new blade these feelings become even brighter.

Reason number 2 – Japanese culture

I like Japan, but no, don’t think, I’m not idealizing this country. On the contrary, the deeper you begin to get to know a foreign culture, the more you get rid of stereotypes and commonly accepted clichés associated with it. There is much that is foreign to our mentality and norms of behavior, but there is also a colossal segment of Japanese life that excites and commands respect. Such inexplicable things for us as Ikigai (literally “the meaning of life”, that which makes us wake up every morning), or the concept of Minshu-teki kogei (the creation of everyday things raised into art). This is precisely the case when the awe-inspiring attitude to things created by one’s own hands forces the craftsman to invest his soul in the act of creation, not in the hope of a final reward, but simply because otherwise he does not stand and get to work. Japanese masters of the highest class, even in professions that are not at all prestigious in the rest of the world, raise their work to the level of art, and this awareness of their own dignity forces them to strictly follow ancient technologies and obtain excellent results. I often get the impression that the sword is like a bridge in time and distance that stretches from my hands to the most remote island of Japan. Every time I take care of the blade of the sword, contemplating its beauty and perfection, I remember the countries I have visited and mentally transport myself to places where I have not yet been. This is how dreams and aspirations are born: learn more, see more, visit more. Japan is a unique country, and for anyone who is fascinated by its culture, or who has visited it once, contact with it always causes a wave of positive emotions. And the Japanese sword, as a key object of original culture, contains all its magic. I live in Ukraine, but, without a doubt, Japanese swords bring me closer to the culture of the country of the rising sun, and I am sure that we can learn from each other.

Reason No. 3 - Life is precious,
so make the most of it

For obvious reasons, the Japanese sword is a formidable reminder of the value of life itself. Swords always remind me of the incredible beauty of life, of what we live on this planet for, that we don’t just exist! I mean that life itself is a miracle! But it is not eternal, at least in physical form. The Japanese sword changed my attitude to life, it made me wiser, in fact I became better aware of my own mortality. He forces us to live so that every day of our life means something to us. I am sure that my swords will survive me. And at some point, I will pass them on to my children, so that they will take care of them, be responsible for them, and, I hope, remember me. They are still too young to understand this. I will only hope that one day, having taken the sword in their hands, they will not feel the sadness of my departure. And they will see in them a source of inspiration and aspirations. And as Bushido says, they will feel peace more brightly – “Feeling life in every breath, in every cup of tea…”

Reason No 4 – Beauty in simplicity

The blade of a Japanese sword consists of iron and carbon. That’s it, pure steel. He is born in the fusion of the elements, in the process of his creation he needs only human energy, some tools, water, wind and fire. The simplicity and unsurpassed technical brilliance inherent in the sword carries a message to all of us – “real beauty does not scream.” The Japanese term Wabi-saba (modest simplicity) is part of the Japanese aesthetic worldview, where “wabi” is associated with modesty and not brightness, but with inner strength, and “saba” with genuineness and authenticity. And it is this simplicity that inspires and causes admiration. The asceticism of the blade liberates it from superficial luster and opens up opportunities for freedom of the mind. This philosophy goes beyond the material world, extending to our life, work and habits. Fighting for “liberation” from excess is difficult, we quickly get used to things and it is difficult for us to let go of both objects and emotions, but it is very important to do this. I am convinced that a dirty physical environment causes the brain to slow down its development. Choose what you cherish the most and delete everything else. Enjoy the simple joys of life. And this will bring harmony to your life and relationships.

Reason No. 5 - The importance of teamwork

Many people believe that a Japanese sword is created by one master blacksmith. This is not entirely true. Dozens of craftsmen, true professionals in their field, take part in the creation of the blade, each of whom creates its own unique element – so that the finished blade becomes a real masterpiece.

The traditional Japanese sword includes the work of such unique masters as:

A blacksmith who makes a sword (by himself or with the help of apprentices)
Polisher to emphasize the beauty of steel and make it razor sharp
(the polisher is as important as the blacksmith)
The creator of the habaka (the clutch that locks the sword in the shirasae)
Creator of shirasaya (resting magnolia scabbard, in which the blade will be comfortable and calm)
The creator of Horimono (engraving that will give the blade an expressive personality)
The creator of the tsuba (sword guard, as a separate artistic element)
The creator of sepy (copper or silver washers, sometimes wrapped in gold to protect the tsuba and handle)
The creator of fuchi and kashira, (the smallest details of these works of art never cease to impress)
Manufacturer Menuki (decorative elements of the handle)
The creator of the tsuka (handle) and tsukamaki, (braids of the handle made of silk or leather).
The creator of Sai (legs) and varnishes, sometimes with a separate master artist,
which places whole paintings and family coats of arms on the scabbard

Sometimes even more people can be involved in this process! It’s all teamwork. Each Japanese sword is completely unique. In my opinion, the Katana is the best example of a combination of forms and the greatest of all swords ever made by man. Each master complements each other’s work to obtain a greater overall result. And each of them strives for perfection with unrelenting passion. “If you are going to do a job, do it well.”

Reason No. 6 - It's available

I understand that of course there are hundreds of more important things and tasks, and I completely agree with this, but please take into account:

The incredible age of Japanese swords
The degree of skill when creating a samurai sword
The number of craftsmen involved in making the finished sword
The preciousness of the materials used for parts and accessories (often in gold, silver, shakudo, mother-of-pearl, etc.)
The beautiful condition in which they are (evidence of the care that the Japanese show to such artifacts)
Their beauty and uniqueness

And this list can be continued… Looking back on all this, the Japanese sword is actually not that expensive. In addition, this is an investment with “concrete” financial guarantees, since it is an antique and there are no more of them, which means that your collection grows in value every year. The value of some Japanese swords eclipses the price of jewelry and sometimes approaches the value of famous paintings.

Reason No. 7 - Power and responsibility

A Japanese sword gives a feeling of strength. No, I don’t go into a maniacal frenzy when I hold a sword in my hands. On the contrary, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. The sword has a unique ability to clear thoughts and focus on the main thing. If there is one lesson that can be learned from samurai ethics, it is “the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.” We alone are responsible for the quality of life we live. We often see people blaming others for something going wrong with them. But these are only excuses – only excuses, and they do not lead us anywhere. Taking personal responsibility for our thoughts, our words, and our actions keeps us at a higher point of consciousness. This requires courage. In short, it makes us brave) Realizing this has helped make a positive contribution to the quality of my life, and I hope it will change yours for the better.

With respect to you and your business.
President of GO “Nihonto”
Gleb Kovalev.