We received 11 swords, both large and small, made by Funahiro, a master craftsman who has been awarded medals by the government. The eight swords stored in this paulownia wood box will be given as gifts to young people who have practiced a lot and honed their skills. Three years ago, I was turned down because "I've never made such a long and thin sword before," but in March of this year, I was given the opportunity to give a presentation in person. It was unusually nerve-wracking working under Funahiro's watchful eye, but Funahiro said, "This is the first time I've seen someone use a sword like this. I need a longer one..." He then readily agreed, saying, "Okay, let's make the best sword possible!" Over the next few months, we spoke on the phone many times, and Funahiro told me many things about the joy he feels as a craftsman and the pleasure of perfecting his skills. The sword he made this time is not just a tool, but a model of craftsmanship. I think that using the best tools not only improves their sharpness and performance, but also has the effect of making the user stand up straight. The steel used for the sword that Funahiro made this time is based on blue paper with an adjusted carbon content, and the base metal is Japanese iron that is hundreds of years old and was mined at Zenkoji Temple. Needless to say, the finished product is beautiful. The blade is thin and slender to improve its rotation, and the backside is deeply carved to maintain the cutting edge, making it surprisingly light and so delicate that it will easily bend if handled improperly. New blades are prepared by the user themselves. First, the back of the blade is straightened by grinding it on an anvil and hitting it with a mallet. Then, the front of the blade is smoothed with a coarse whetstone, and then sharpened with a medium whetstone. Old Japanese iron is flexible and easy to shape, and the blade quickly develops a sharp edge. After going through several processes and finishing with a natural whetstone, the edge naturally disappears, which is very satisfying. Easy to sharpen to bring out the potential of the steel. It is Funahiro's fire-making skills that allow him to create such everyday usability. The sheath and handle are carefully crafted using fine woods such as black persimmon, ebony, and Jindai Katsura that have been prepared for this occasion. Now it's time to put the blade into the wood. It cuts like a dream. The blade moves forward without any resistance. Although it is thin and delicate, the edge is firm and there is not a single chip. It is truly an ideal sword, beautifully expressing the beauty of its utility as a tool and the maker's design. I am grateful to be able to do work that does not bring shame to this tool. I look forward to the day when I can hand this sword over to the younger generation when they grow up and share these same feelings with them.
