e popular legends is that Amakuni and his son Amakura were standing outside their sword smithing shop when the army was returning from battle. As a sword maker to the Emperor's army Amakuni was expecting to be acknowledged by the Emperor, as had been the norm in the past. However, in this case he was snubbed by the Emperor and soon understood why when he saw many of the sword blades carried by the soldiers were broken. He was determined to research and build the perfect sword.

After a period of sabbatical and reflection, Amakuni and his son went about developing a superior weapon. The next summer when the Emperor returned from another battle, none of the swords were broken and the Emperor passed and said to Amakuni, "you are an expert sword maker, none of the swords you made failed in battle". What Amakuni is said to have developed is a style of sword that was hard enough to hold an edge but flexible enough not to break or shatter, the paradoxical combination needed for a good blade.

The Japanese did this by creating a sword from two different types of metal. The core was made of steel with a high carbon content.This makes the steel very hard but very brittle. Folding it over itself over and over again to create steel with up to 30,000 laminations strengthened this hard core. Around this hard core, softer and more flexible steel was wrapped. The two steel were welded together and the edge was tempered (tempering created the Hamon on the blade). The end result was a blade with exceptional edge holding and cutting ability. And with the flexibility to withstand continuous contact with other weapons or armour on the battlefield. This is how the unique nature and shape of the Japanese blade is believed to have been created

The myth of blood grooves.

Why do blades have blood grooves? Answer: - to allow air or blood to escape from a STABBING attack because it will enable you to with draw the blade from the body.

However the samurai sword was made to cut or slash not stab. So what are these grooves for ?

Answer: - The grooves (hi) exist for 2 reasons.

1) To reduce the weight on the heaver blades making them easy to deploy. By using this method the balance was undamaged.

2) Grooves were also used to cut defects out of the blade occurring from the forging process. This could happen to the best sword smith on occasion.

Blades, whether they're Stainless or High Carbon Steel, have two main enemies. Moisture and human oils, and need to be protected from both.

Moisture; This is the culprit that will rust your sword. More susceptible is your carbon swords, but contrary to common belief, your stainless swords are not immune.

Swords should never be stored for long periods of time in their sheath. Moisture can build up and be trapped in a sheath, especially if stored in a damp place. If a sword must be stored in a sheath for a prolonged period of time it must be oiled. Don't be stingy with that oil either, load it up or you just might have an unpleasant surprise the next time you draw that sword. Remember, it wipes off. We suggest gun oil for this purpose, which can be purchased in many sporting goods stores, hunting supply stores, and of corse, gun shops. If possible it should be stored in a cool dry place as well. Even with these precautions, check on your sword regularly.

When displaying your sword, keep a light coat of oil on your carbon swords to protect them and do not display in a damp area. Stainless swords are much lower maintenance and only require that you clean them periodically, and that you wipe them off with a soft cloth now and then.

Human Oils; This nasty stuff that is Oh so important for our skin, is acid for your blade. I can not stress this enough...Do not touch the blade with your skin! Hands, fingers, toes, mouth, butt, and/or any other part of your body! It will etch the blade! I know...we all want to touch the blade...that hidden worrier in us all wants that connection...but fight him!

Carbon Swords; That thin layer of oil you have on the sword will help protect it from the human oils, but it is not a force field. If you touch the blade...OK...when you touch the blade...and after your friends touch the blade. Wipe the blade down thoroughly and then clean it and re-oil it. Don't wait to long to do it either...no room for procrastinating here...Carbon sword etch quickly!

Stainless Steel Swords; Yes, these are susceptible too. Although it will take a much longer time for the human oils to etch the blade, they still will. Again After everyone has gotten touching the blade out of there system, wipe it down and clean it.

What is etching? Picture your finger print permanently engraved on the blade. Because that is what will happen.

Cleaning; Any metal or brass cleaner that you can purchase in a hardware store will do fine. Simply follow the directions for the product that you purchase.