From the very beginning, my primary interest lied in Bizen tradition swords. I did spend much time experimenting and studying other traditions as well. I think that this in fact has helped me to build a better foundation, not to mention get a better grasp on the essence of Bizen.
Let me say that I can find beauty and ingenuity in all sword of the gokaden. The different approaches used by the various traditions is interesting to say the least. When in Japan, I have visited most of the areas from where the gokaden were born. Although perhaps guilty of taking it too far, I felt that it adds depth to the overall experience when viewing an antique sword or making a new one. When viewing Nihonto from a specific tradition or region, my mind flashes back on images of the villages that gave fourth the sword. The mountains and the rivers that shed the iron and the faces and personalities of those in that region. When I make a new sword, I carry the same memories as a weight of responsibility to do justice to the traditon that I am working in.
Personally, I tend to like the choji hamons of Bizen but that does not mean that I can not appreciate a well executed sugu ha hamon. The Japanese have a saying : "juu nin to iro" "ten people ten colors" It means everybody has different likes and dislikes. That is the wonderful thing about Japanese swords. There are in fact many variables, some very subtle, that appeal to different people.
I suggest anybody in the market for a sword to do some research before buying. It is best to arm yourself with knowledge from books. Remember knowledge and so called truths gained from individuals trying to sell you something have the potential to be skewed. Years ago, it may have been difficult to find good books about Japanese swords in English. Now there is a number of very good books that are available in English.
Here are a few book that I would highly recommend :
"The Craft of the Japanese Sword"
Its shows in detail the painstaking steps involved in the making of a Japanese sword.
"The Art of Polishing the Japanese Sword"
Likewise this books shows the amount of attention and detail that goes into the traditional polishing of a Japanese sword?h
"Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths"
Looks and swordsmithing history from 1868 up to present times with some good interviews with top smiths in Japan.
"The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords"
This book covers Japanese swords from the very beginning and takes a look at each of the gokaden as well as work from Shinto and Shinshinto times.
"The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths"
Contains some very interesting interviews with some top Japanese sword smiths.
Thank you for visiting.
Anthony DiCristofano
