Sword - making is a complex
and subtle branch of learning involving more than simply the pounding of iron. It is both
an art and a craft. Art is a cultivated inner quality, a means of outward - directed
expression of what is inside, originating in the nation's spiritual strength residing
between heaven and earth. Ancient people who relied on the sword for their successes had
first to cultivate themselves inwardly until filled with righteousness; only then could
they carry the sword to the completion of their mission. The person, the sword, and the
achievement were inextricably intertwined. Craft, meanwhile, means method, and is
exhibited through technique. While the ancient story of the woman sacrificed for the sword
- making, it does express the fervent determination that the craft demands. Not only is it
time - consuming, but it requires a focused efforts and favorable astrological timing to
be successfully completed. Four types of steel are
required to forge a sword, including fine German and Swedish steel and heavy truck spring
steel. These are layered and relayered to create the unfinished steel cord. The layers are
tightly packed both horizontally and vertically. Thirty - six repetitions allows the sword
to withstand the test of repeated blows of a hammer in the forging. After three days of
cooling, the sword is struck with a copper hammer to soften it without deformation. The
embryo of the sword is now finished. Next comes a special ordeal that of the elements. The
sword embryo is placed outdoors and exposed to wind, sun, and rain; then it is soaked in
cold well - water. After a certain period of such testing, it is taken in and struck
again, If excessive corrosion has rendered the sword unable to pass this test, it is
discarded. This way, only the finest are retained. Finally come a number of complicated
tasks such as grinding, filing, edging, making the scabbard, grinding the handguard, etc. |
|
