Decorating the blade of a samurai sword with an engraving has a long tradition. Engraving visually enhances a katana and turns it into a personalised work of art.
What is the purpose of engraving Japanese swords?
There are two different types of engraving on Japanese swords.
The first engraving is a signature in the area of the blade tang. These signatures are engraved and can contain different information. As a rule, they provide information about the smith. But also information such as the date of manufacture, place of manufacture, the name of the client and the results of cutting tests.
This engraving is used to convey information.
The second type of engraving is on the blade itself. Here you often see a fuller, which is effectively nothing more than a large engraving. The fuller specifically reduces the weight of the blade.
However, detailed images and symbols are also engraved. These enhance the appearance of the blade, but often also eliminate forging defects and visual flaws. These types of engraving are only used to improve the appearance of a blade as they have no practical benefits.
Methods for engraving a blade
The traditional Japanese engraving
Traditional Japanese engraving is done by hand. The master engraver uses a small hammer and a chisel to hammer the engraving into the blade.
Engraving a blade with the help of machines
Working with a hammer and chisel is relatively difficult and time-consuming, which is why many sword blades outside Japan are engraved using other methods.
Machine engraving by hand
Manual work with machine
Manual engraving with an engraving machine represents a significant simplification. However, due to the hardness of the metal of a sword blade, it is difficult to engrave by hand using a machine, which is why this method is rarely used. Mostly to rework existing engravings.
Fully automatic machine blade engraving with machines
Automatic engraving machine
The use of a fully automatic machine greatly simplifies the engraving process. This makes engraving a blade relatively inexpensive. It is the most commonly used engraving method outside of Japan. The engravings created in this way look very precise and accurate.
Laser engraving and electro-engraving for sword blades
Laser engraving
Two ultra-modern processes are laser engraving and electro-engraving. The steel on the surface of the blade is vaporised at certain points to create a pattern on the blade. These processes originate from industry. However, they are also used in some modern sword forges.
Would you like to have your sword customised?
Because engravings are very popular and give a sword a personal touch, we offer an exclusive inscription service for the sword scabbard. We use the laser inscription method for this because we have been able to achieve the best results for the average consumer with it.
Whether letters, characters or graphics. You can send us a text with the desired font or a graphic. There are no limits to your imagination. You can find more detailed information on the product page.
