like a bamboo curtain, mimicking the regular pattern of sections and multiple parallel lines running parallel to the cutting edge.
MOTTLED (HITATSURA)
Hitatsura hamon are composed of scattered spots and patches of hardened steel throughout the length of the blade. Known for the wild, untamed, and rugged look, many collectors consider Hitatsura hamon particularly striking.
Straight grain (masame).
Wood pattern grain (mokume).
Plank pattern grain (itame).
Undulating wave grain (ayasugi)—the hallmark of the Gassan school of swordmaking.
Grain Patterns (Hada)
Grain pattern within the steel is called hada in Japanese. When Japanese swords are made, both today and historically, steel of varying hardness is combined and folded. The manner of how the smith folds the steel, in relation to how he elongates it to create the blade, produces a grain pattern within the steel (see Chapter 2 for more details). Some blades have only one kind of grain but frequently a blade contains a mixture of more than one type of grain structure.
STRAIGHT GRAIN (MASAME)
Masame grain looks like long parallel wood grain that runs the length of the blade parallel with the cutting edge.
WOOD PATTERN GRAIN (MOKUME)
Blades with mokume hada feature irregular concentric circles and swirls connecting them. Moku means wood or tree; while me means pattern. Mokume hada looks like several saplings grew together and now their combined growth rings are tightly connected by complimentary swirls.
PLANK PATTERN GRAIN (ITAME)
When cutting a log into planks, a mix of wavy parallel and concentric circles will be seen. Itame hada means plank pattern and looks like the combination of masame and mokume hada: It has both parallel lines and some concentric circles.
UNDULATING WAVE GRAIN (AYASUGI)
Ayasugi hada is an extremely wavy masame hada. The waves are generally homogenous and equidistant. Primarily the Gassan School of swordmaking produces this grain structure; therefore it is sometimes referred to as Gassan hada. It is noteworthy that this grain is produced by filing away portions of the billet just before elongating it into a blade; not by elongation of the grain alone.
When viewing a sword always begin by appreciating the fittings. This wakizashi boasts a remarkably carved scabbard, beautiful rayskin handle and finely crafted metal fittings.
When handing a sword to someone while in its scabbard, it is presented horizontally, with the handle on the left (a position of non-threatening intention), and with the handle and scabbard being carefully controlled to avoid the blade from slipping out of the scabbard unexpectedly.
Viewing and Handling
Whether viewing someone’s sword, or cleaning your own, it is always important to follow some simple etiquette guidelines. Swords are handled in very strict ways to observe safety and etiquette. Never use the sword to point at someone or something. Be careful not to gesture aggressively with the sword; even to the extent that you should avoid pointing the edge (let alone the tip) of the sword towards someone. Think of the edge like a shotgun’s barrel and be careful where you point it. If you are unsure about something, ask. Between being thought an ignorant barbarian, and being seen as a careless, disrespectful, and dangerous barbarian, I recommend the former.
Before receiving the sword, the owner will likely have cleared the area of all extraneous materials. Only sword cleaning supplies should be laid out. This demonstrates safe practice as well as reverence for the sword. Never touch the polished surfaces of a sword. There are two places where you can hold a sword: by the handle and by the unpolished portion of the nakago (tang). Never touch a sword without having permission. Even then, it is best to wait until the blade is handed to you.
When handing a sword to someone while in its scabbard, it is presented horizontally, with the handle on the left (a position of non-threatening intention), and with the handle and scabbard being carefully controlled to avoid letting the blade slip out of the scabbard unexpectedly. Be prepared to receive the sword and its scabbard in both hands, carefully taking control at the tsuka and saya. The person presenting the sword will likely make a small bow while holding it out. Bowing while receiving a sword demonstrates respect to the owner, the sword’s craftsman, and the sword itself. Return the bow simultaneously.
Always handle a sword in a slow, deliberate, and careful manner. Many scabbards do not hold their blades securely. If turned handle down, the blade may slip out of the scabbard unexpectedly. It is an egregious violation of etiquette (and safety) to allow the sword to slip in this way. Therefore, always hold a sword/scabbard with two hands: one on the handle and the other on the scabbard. Keep the handle higher than the scabbard will also decrease the likelihood that the sword will slip out of its scabbard.
The first step in appreciating the sword is making note of the fittings. Whether in a wooden shirasaya, or “resting scabbard” or mounted for battle in koshirae, the fittings that protect and house the sword should be appreciated. In many cases the value of fittings is equal to or more than the value of a blade. Take note of the craftsmanship of each of the fittings, the color scheme, and so on.
Taking the next step, drawing the sword, requires another request for permission. After sufficient time examining and commenting on the fittings, look at the host and ask permission to draw the blade. A simple, “May I?” will usually suffice. When drawing the sword, cradle the scabbard in the palm of the left hand so that the edge of the blade faces up and the handle points toward you. Again, be careful not to point the tip or edge directly at anyone. Unseat the sword carefully, gripping the blade (edge out) horizontally, with your left hand on the edge of the saya and the right hand on the tsuka, and then pressing the thumbs together to unseat the habaki from the koiguchi. Draw the sword with the right hand, edge up, and in one slow smooth motion. Take special precaution not to allow the tip to drop out of the scabbard haphazardly.
After the sword has been drawn, gently place the scabbard to the left hand side so that the blade can be turned and supported with both hands.
In some cases, the giver will take the sword out of its scabbard, clean the oil from it, and hand it to you with the blade exposed. Note that the owner should present the sword with the edge facing him using his left hand. Advancing the sword with his cutting hand (the right) or with the cutting edge facing you would be considered threatening. Furthermore, giving the sword with his left allows the receiver to retain control with the right hand, which is more secure. His left hand is placed at the top of the tang so that your hand can grasp the lower position on the tang. It is preferable to receive the sword with two hands by placing the left hand under the tsukagashira, if the handle is on the blade, or the nakago jiri, if the tang is exposed. This protocol demonstrates both functionality and respect. The viewer,
