WORKSHOP, STONES, and the POLISHER

Polishing the Japanese sword requires many hours of study before the actual blade is put to the stone. Blades which are damaged, ie. chipped, pitted, bent, or buffed, have to be studied for some time to ensure that the proper shape is given to the sword.

All of my polishing is done using traditional methods. My stone collection is quite extensive now and is growing quite steadily. From the time I receive a blade until the time it is finished varies depending on the condition of the blade and how busy my Sayashi and Habakishi is.

These are actual pictures of my studio and of my stones.

THE STONES USED TO POLISH A SWORD

THE FOUNDATION STONES

The stones used for correcting the shape of the blade, removing chips and rust, and/or repairing kissaki are the coarser kongo-do, binsui-do and the kaisei-do to some extent. Many stones are needed for different shapes of swords. Since I polish many yari, I need many stones with various shapes to re-establish the correct geometry.

THE FINISHING STONES

The Nagura stones are very important in the finishing process of the polish. Again, different consistancies of stones are matched to the blade. These stones are of very good quality and are getting harder to find.

Pictured below are the most coveted stones by polishers: the Habiki and the Jibiki. These stones can cost up to $3000.00USD each. We polishers need a healthy supply of these in order to polish swords from all periods in history.

MY POLISHING STUDIO

Many hours are spent in this room by the polisher. On average, it takes about 60 hours to complete each sword.

SOME BLADES IN QUEUE

One of my sword racks; I have 2 others as well with works pending. It does not take long to establish a waiting list.

YARI AWAITING POLISH

I enjoy polishing yari, naginata and technically difficult blades to shape such as the jumonji yari, which is the hardest to polish correctly.