Samurai sword - is not just a weapon for cutting meat. It's - philosophy, culture and the arts. This is - a form of religion. Samurai sword and the art of it form the basis of the samurai code of honor bushido (way of the warrior). Even modern Japan, which, apparently, a long time ago forgotten samurai, trembles at the thought of the old code. No wonder the Japanese emperor kissing boots Last Samurai, the whole country showing no respect for the person, but respect for the code of bushido.

God Horus Souza gave the sword to his sister Amaterasu, the sun goddess. From Amaterasu the sword passed to her grandson, who was sent to earth - dominate. A sword - it is not just the embodiment of the samurai spirit, a religious shrine, a symbol of the imperial dynasty.

Making samurai sword - katana - not so much a craft as an art, and art is esoteric. Katana Kaji-- blacksmith gunsmith, are made samurai swords, dressed in a strictly regulated clothing (white kimono Kimono - Traditional Japanese clothing Necessarily - without blemish and dust particles, pure as the driven snow).

Armory steel is formed of a plurality of metal layers with different carbon content (likewise made of Damascus steel, but the differences in the percentage of carbon in different metal layers provide different characteristics Damascus swords and Japanese Katana). For Katan is characterized by a wavy or straight line running along the blade - line "jamon". The structure and color of the blade on both sides of the line "jamon" different.

Once the sword is forged (in this Katana Kaji-assisted by three blacksmith), begins operation of a blacksmith without assistants. The work of the shaman. There is nothing surprising in this, even in Siberia blacksmith is considered akin to a shaman, a man not averse to magic art. Blacksmiths made for Siberian shamans amulets and charms, special drives for clothes - and invest in these products their magic "cold iron". Similarly, in Japan. Katana Kaji-holds on a real sword esoteric ritual, after which the sword is not just a weapon, and a haven of spirit, a symbol of courage and honor of the samurai.

This katana - this is not just steel, even the best and the most that is able to cut the falling silk or hair Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development . This Katana - it is also a high magic infused into a sword. And the stronger the katana-Kaji, the stronger the magic sword, the more wins, he can bring his owner.

But the katana is not to clean the potato is - the murder weapon, no matter how beautiful it is. And the sword requires blood. Just like Russian epic swords that once extracted from its scabbard could not be invested back up until they have done drinking blood. The same is a katana. Samurai code of honor allowed (and even demanded!) To execute any commoner soldier accused or even suspected of irreverence. But this - questions of honor. But there were also ceremonies ...

Tanesigiri - an ancient ritual - which demanded that the new blade was definitely tested on the human body (not yet drunk blood - sheathed non-refundable). On ancient engravings Japan often depicted tanesigiri ritual, and it is clear that the sacrifice swords were brought mostly vagabonds or peasants.

Katana, which took all the rites, to try human blood, blood should definitely try the host - only in this case the bond between the sword and the owner will be really strong, and Kata will struggle to the glory of the owner. But the owner, of course, a ritual incision, no more - if only blood came and left a scar, indicating the close connection with his samurai sword.

Ties katana can be inherited. The older the sword - the more valuable it is. After katana - almost like people - to gain experience with every battle. Every victory, every drop of blood - it all goes to the treasury of experience katana. And some believe that even inept fighter will be undefeated, he has only to pick up a "trial" visit many fights katana.

Katana has recently become fashionable among Russian collectors knives. Buy mostly ornate weapons made by recognized masters. Here are just a real katana can only make a real katana-Kaji, with observance of all ancient ceremonies. Only then fine sword, even having a famous and recognizable line of "jamon" becomes a real samurai sword.

Sofia Vargan

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