What is Japanese sword-making?
[[Japan]]ese schools of [[sword]] making can be divided into two categories: by the provinces where they were developed and by the masters who created a specific tradition of sword making. == History == The late [[Kamakura period|Kamakura]] period is often referred to as the greatest period of sword making in Japanese history. The Soshu tradition was one of the dominant traditions. Smiths like Kunitsuna and Sukezane combined their knowledge with methods from Yamashiro and Bizen traditions. Finally, a group of famous sword smiths culminated with Masamune (1264-1343 AD) and his school. == Types of Sword == The rare swords were made out of five separate pieces and heat-treated at high [[temperature]]s. The swords of the '''Masamune School''' were harder than any of the swords made before. Masamune trained a group of at least ten followers. Two of his students (Kanemitsu and Nagayoshi) were from the Bizen province. In this way, during the early 14th century, the Masamune school attracted many smiths from other schools. Kanemitsu is believed to be the one who created the Soden School, which combined Bizen and Soshu techniques. At the same time '''Chogi''' was developing his school. The Chogi works show a stronger [[influence]] of the Soshu tradition than Kanemitsu swords. == Divisions == === The division by regions === *'''Yamato-Den''' – Derived from five big schools attached to different temples. *'''Bizen-Den''' – Considered the starting point for the manufacturing of the traditional Japanese sword. *'''Yamashiro-Den''' - Started in late Heian period. Thin and slender blades. *'''Soshu-Den''' - Started in late Kamakura period under the effect of Kamakura Shogunate. *'''Mino-Den''' – The youngest of the five traditions. === The divisions by people === There are several famous schools created by sword masters: *'''Nagayoshi''' made better products by using the best ideas from both the Bizen and Soshu schools. He was successful because of the softer Bizen steel which is made at higher temperatures than that of