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Posted by hipstomp | 13 Aug 2012
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Comments (4)
Awesomeness. It's not just that Korehira Watanabe decided, as a college student, that he wanted to become a swordmaker, even at the cost of family disownment in a family-based society. It's not just that he dedicated 40 years of his life towards trying to recreate a type of sword whose manufacturing secrets had been lost some 400 years ago. What is most awesome to us is that Watanabe intends for his disciple to surpass him in skill, as he's adamant the tradition be passed along. He knows he may never uncover the secret of the Koto within his lifetime, but future generations might.
Enough talk. Watch:
Comments
Do clients buy his swords, he mentioned (or gave some kind of idea) that it's tough to work as a sword-maker financially. It's an awesome job, if you ask me I hope he's making a good amount for his hard work!
The interview ended becaus Uma Thurman was arriving for some business...
respect
@abdullah I think most of the time these kinds of swords made specifically for a certain customer who has ordered it ahead of time. Swords have measurements (called 'shaku' which is around 12") and in order to draw a sword quickly the length must correspond to the bearer's height and arm length. 'Stock' swords that have cutting edges are also made by mass-production processes but I can't imagine this swordmaker turning out more than maybe a few dozen a year...? I would estimate the bare blade with no other sword furniture (handle, guard, sheath etc) at least $2000 and probably more.