| Just like in music there are such classics as Bach | | | | Having worked with them Masamune learned their |
| and Beethoven, Japanese sword-making exist | | | | techniques and developed them creating the |
| some names that are associated with exquisite | | | | Soshu school of sword-making. There is a legend |
| perfection and art. Masamune is definitely one of | | | | about Masamune's jittetsu (followers/disciples). |
| them. His swords are famous for quality and | | | | They were 10 as the saying goes and they |
| originality and are considered as an example of | | | | studied the art of sword-making with Masamune |
| that fine art of sword-making. What is most | | | | implementing their own ideas and methods of |
| amazing is that at 13th century there weren't any | | | | blade forging. Probably it was one of the first kind |
| sophisticated forging tools and steel used for | | | | of workshops attended not only by beginners, but |
| sword-making was as a rule impure. Nevertheless, | | | | experienced and well-known sword smiths. |
| many sword-makers today can't compete with | | | | During 13th century Japanese samurai expected a |
| Masamune swords when it comes to elegance, nie | | | | weapon to be functional and beautiful at the same |
| (martensitic crystals in pearlite) and what's most | | | | time that is why Masamune just like other sword |
| important - quality. | | | | smiths of that period had to accomplish this |
| At that time Japan was threatened by the | | | | rather difficult task. Apart from their quality and |
| Mongols so sword smiths were quite busy. A | | | | elegance Masamune swords are famous for |
| sword in hands of one samurai capable of killing | | | | unique nie. Nie represents areas of glowing |
| ten thousand Mongols and beautiful enough as to | | | | structure of crystalline embedded in temper line |
| wear it with pride - that was main requirement of | | | | (hamon) or part of the blade between its ridgeline |
| samurais ordering swords and Masamune was the | | | | and temper line (ji). It's a result of steel interaction |
| best at it. | | | | during process of quenching. In general the heated |
| There aren't many swords signed by Masamune. | | | | blade was covered with clay layers of different |
| You may have heard about some of them, such | | | | thickness and used in patterns followed by cold |
| as "Daikoku Masamune" or "Fudo Masamune". All | | | | water quenching. Color contrast of the metal |
| of Masamune swords, 50 of them that survived | | | | increased with different time of cooling creating |
| to the present, are legally certified as state | | | | light gray swirling patterns. When you look at |
| property of Japan or imperial regalia. That is why | | | | them the first association that comes to your |
| it is possible to see them only at exhibitions or | | | | mind is moving clouds. This is one of the main |
| sword shows. So next time you see an | | | | features that distinguishes Masamune swords and |
| advertisement of such exhibition having | | | | makes them almost perfect. |
| Masamune name in it, don't think twice and go for | | | | Masamune swords have the biggest number of |
| it - you may not have another chance to see | | | | references in the catalogue of "Japanese swords |
| Masamune sword. | | | | of all times" (Kyoho Meibutsu Cho). His swords |
| Goro Nyudo is Masamune's historical name. | | | | were believed to contain spiritual powers and |
| Historians believe he lived and worked in Sagami | | | | there are many stories saying only people with |
| Province during 1288-1328 being taught by such | | | | pure soul were able to wield them. |
| famous sword smiths as Kunimitsu and Kunitsuna. | | | | |