The Maker Speaks
Masamune
The Old Master’s Still Alive
The Old Master’s Still Alive
Have you ever heard Masamune? It does not mean a vocalist of Spitz. Masamune was a terribly skillful swordsmith who existed actually in the Kamakura period. Details about him are still unknown, although his name and works are very renowned even today.
For influenced by games and anime, overseas and inside, there are a lot of Japanese sword fans today. Usual people are hard to have one, but. Probably, most of Japanese people just have seen real katana at museums or displayed at alcoves of some decent families. Furthermore, Masamune is a pronoun of the great swords. Most of ordinary Japanese are supposed to have never seen and touched.
(Click To Enlarge)
No matter how wonderful the swords forged by Masamune are, should we only give it up like old illusion? You do not have to! Indeed, it is very difficult to have Japanese sword forged by him. However, everyone can easily get the kitchen knives instead.
Let me explain what I mean. A descendant of Masamune is forging blades and swords at his workshop in Kamakura, Kanagawa. If you were interested and free, why do not you visit? A walk of 5 – 10 minutes from Kamakura Station brings you there and then, gives you a chance to take the swords and knives.
Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs purchased a sword forged by Masamune in 2003. Their gazette said they paid over 160,000,000 yen. A builder of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu is said to have desired a Masamune sword regardless of expense, likewise. Ones forged by Masamune himself are out of reach of the common herd. However, I believe we are glad getting kitchen knives forged by his descendant who succeeds to the old master’s sense. In our life, kitchen knives are more useful than swords. Is this a commonplace thought?
For influenced by games and anime, overseas and inside, there are a lot of Japanese sword fans today. Usual people are hard to have one, but. Probably, most of Japanese people just have seen real katana at museums or displayed at alcoves of some decent families. Furthermore, Masamune is a pronoun of the great swords. Most of ordinary Japanese are supposed to have never seen and touched.
(Click To Enlarge)
No matter how wonderful the swords forged by Masamune are, should we only give it up like old illusion? You do not have to! Indeed, it is very difficult to have Japanese sword forged by him. However, everyone can easily get the kitchen knives instead.
Let me explain what I mean. A descendant of Masamune is forging blades and swords at his workshop in Kamakura, Kanagawa. If you were interested and free, why do not you visit? A walk of 5 – 10 minutes from Kamakura Station brings you there and then, gives you a chance to take the swords and knives.
Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs purchased a sword forged by Masamune in 2003. Their gazette said they paid over 160,000,000 yen. A builder of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu is said to have desired a Masamune sword regardless of expense, likewise. Ones forged by Masamune himself are out of reach of the common herd. However, I believe we are glad getting kitchen knives forged by his descendant who succeeds to the old master’s sense. In our life, kitchen knives are more useful than swords. Is this a commonplace thought?
Masamune Gyuto
Blade Length: about 7.09 inches
Price: 12,800 JPN (tax in)
※ Photographed by Kishimoto Kazuya
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