How Is the Blade of a Samurai Sword Polished?

The polishing of a samurai sword is a critical process that not only sharpens the blade but also reveals the intricate details and enhances the sword’s aesthetic appeal.

This process is carried out by a specialized craftsman known as a togishi (研師), and it involves several stages, each requiring great skill and precision.

One of the most important techniques in this process is the hadori polish, which is specifically designed to highlight the hamon (刃文), or temper line, of the blade.

Rough Polishing (Shitaji-Togi – 下地研ぎ)

The first stage of polishing, shitaji-togi, involves using coarse stones to shape the blade and remove any imperfections left from the forging process. This stage prepares the blade for more detailed work by smoothing out the surface and establishing the basic geometry of the blade.

Intermediate Polishing (Naka-Togi – 中研ぎ)

In the intermediate stage, finer stones are used to refine the blade’s surface and begin to bring out the hamon and hada (the grain pattern). This stage sets the foundation for the final polish and ensures that the blade is smooth and ready for detailed work.

Final Polishing (Shiage-Togi – 仕上げ研ぎ)

The final polishing stage is where the blade’s aesthetic and functional qualities are fully realized. This involves using very fine stones to create a mirror-like finish on the blade and to make the hamon and hada more pronounced. It is in this stage that the hadori polish is applied.

Hadori Polish (刃取り)

The hadori polish is a specialized technique used in the final stages of polishing to highlight the hamon.

The togishi uses a special stone called hadori-to to carefully polish along the edge of the hamon, creating a frosted or cloudy appearance that contrasts with the rest of the blade.

This technique accentuates the hamon, making it more visible and giving the blade a dynamic, flowing appearance.

The hadori polish not only enhances the beauty of the hamon but also contributes to the blade’s overall sharpness.

By carefully polishing the edge, the togishi ensures that the blade is not only visually striking but also functionally superior.

The hadori polish requires a deep understanding of the blade’s structure and the swordsmith’s intentions, as it must complement the original forging techniques used to create the hamon.

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Burnishing (Migaki – 磨き)

After the hadori polish, the ridge line of the blade (shinogi) is burnished to create a sharp, clear contrast between the polished surface and the rest of the blade. This step further enhances the blade’s visual appeal and emphasizes its structure.

Inspection and Final Adjustments

The blade is thoroughly inspected after polishing to ensure that all aspects of the sword meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Any final adjustments are made to perfect the polish and ensure that the sword is ready for use or display.

Samurai Swords Polishing

The polishing of a samurai sword is a delicate and intricate process that brings out the blade’s true beauty and sharpness, depending on the steel type used, different polishing techniques are applied.

The hadori polish is a particularly important technique used to highlight the hamon, giving the sword its characteristic appearance and enhancing its value as both a weapon and a work of art.

Combined with other polishing techniques, the hadori polish ensures that the finished sword is not only functional but also a visually stunning masterpiece, reflecting the skill and tradition of Japanese sword-making.

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