Natural Hamon

The Forging Process
     Furuyama blades are made from the highest quality, high carbon steel. It may cost a little more for the steel but we know that the extra cost here will result in a superior blade. The steel is heated and hammered. This process is repeated several times until the master smith determines that the steel is ready to be drawn into a blade. With our folded line, different steels are welded together then folded several times until the desired grain of the steel is achieved. Once the steel has been hand hammered into the shape of a sword, the smith then files and shapes the geometry of the blade. Coatings of clay are applied to the blade to allow the water to cool the blade at different rates thus achieving the beautiful patterns and detailed characteristics of the highly visible hamon. After the clay is allowed to dry, the blade is heated to the critical temperature required for tempering, then quenched in water. Here again the temperature of the water is critical for achieving the proper temper. This process of differentially clay tempering the blade creates the hardened martensite edge with a strong and durable pearlite body.

     After the forging and tempering process is completed, the clay is removed and the blade is roughly polished before being made ready for the final polishing. The base polish is achieved by using traditional methods then finished using modern methods. This was done at the request of J-Armory to reduce the cost of polishing the blades. The blades are treated to bring out the temper line. Instead of the more distinctive white frosty line seen on most production blades, what you see is a brighter more traditional looking hamon famous on Japanese swords.  J-Armory offers custom hand polishing for those customers who prefer a more traditional looking polish.

The Handle, Scabbard and Fittings
     Although the finish out of each sword varies with each series, all of the swords share the same basic construction. The saya is lacquered in smooth or textured finish and made from soft wood as not to scratch the finish on the blade. The traditionally tied sageo is black and can be ordered to match the same material and color as the tsuka-ito.  A one-piece solid brass habaki secures the blade in the saya.  The tsuka is made of high quality hard wood with strips of inlayed ray skin and covered with cotton or silk tsuka ito.  Optional full ray skin wrapped tsuka is available.  Two Mekugi are used for added security. The Tsuba, Mekugi, Fuchi and Kashira are made either from steel, bronze or brass.  A cloth bag is included to protect the sword during storage.

Furuyama Katanas
     Furuyama Katanas are individually hand forged from high-carbon steel. The blades are differentially clay-tempered to create an edge hardness designed for superior cutting and a spine hardness designed to adsorb the impact forces created during cutting. Each blade is hand-polished using traditional methods then finished using modern methods. The blades are sharp and can withstand the rigors of cutting exercise. Having met the rigid cutting requirement of the Japanese, Furuyama Katanas have been thoroughly tested. Please remember that Furuyama Katanas are designed first as a cutting instrument, and secondly as a collector piece.

Furuyama Iaitos
     Now you can practice with the same balance, weight and feel as your Furuyama Katana. Most Iaitos on the market are lighter than steel katanas that are used for Tameshigiri. Many users of "Live Blades" often have to compromise their training by using a lighter sword for practice. Now you can practice with an Iaito that has the same balance, weight and feel as your "Live Blade". The Spring Tempered Steel Furuyama Iaitos come with a 1 millimeter rounded edge so you no longer have to compromise safety when training. All of the Furuyama swords are offered in a sharpen (Katana) and Less Sharp (Iaito) version. Furuyama Iaitos feature a Clay Tempered High Carbon steel blade and have a natural hamon (temper line).

A Word of Caution!
     Although our swords are among the finest replicas of antique Japanese swords available on the market, they are fully functional. Caution should be used in handling these blades to prevent the potential for a dangerous accident. They should be used and stored like any other sharp object in the home, and never be touched by children or handled by anyone under the age of 18 without Adult supervision.