Forge a Custom Tanto with a Japanese Swordsmith

Forge a Custom Tanto with a Japanese Swordsmith

Spend a full day creating a custom tanto under the guidance of a Japanese swordsmith near Kyoto. Work with tamahagane and take part in the major stages of traditional swordmaking, including refining and folding the steel, shaping the blade, applying clay, and quenching it in water. The finished blade is approximately 20 cm long.

After the experience, the swordsmith and specialist craftspeople complete the polishing, simple mounting, registration, and export procedures. Completion takes approximately five years. Shipping and any customs duties are not included. Compared with the uchigatana plan, this experience centers on a compact blade while retaining the long completion process of an authentic Japanese sword.

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Process

  • Learn the Culture of the Tanto
    Learn the Culture of the Tanto

    Learn the structure, making process, history, and cultural role of the Japanese tanto.

  • Tanren — Refine and Fold the Steel
    Tanren — Refine and Fold the Steel

    Hammer and fold tamahagane repeatedly to refine the material for the blade.

  • Hizukuri — Shape the Blade
    Hizukuri — Shape the Blade

    Heat and hammer the steel into an approximately 20 cm tanto blade.

  • Tsuchioki — Apply the Clay
    Tsuchioki — Apply the Clay

    Apply a carefully shaped clay coating that influences the hardening pattern.

  • Yakiire — Quench the Blade
    Yakiire — Quench the Blade

    Heat the blade to the correct temperature and quench it in water under the swordsmith’s guidance.

VenueA swordsmith’s studio in Kameoka (25 minutes by train and 25 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station)The exact address will be provided when your reservation is confirmed.
Duration8 hours
Items Included
  • Introduction to the culture and techniques of Japanese swordmaking.
  • Tamahagane for an approximately 20 cm blade.
  • Hands-on participation in refining and folding the steel, blade shaping, clay application, and water quenching.
  • Completion by the swordsmith and specialist craftspeople.
  • Polishing and simple mounting.
  • Japanese registration and export procedures.
Items Excluded
  • Transportation and accommodation.
  • Interpretation.
  • Meals.
  • Shipping fee.
  • Customs duties, import taxes, and any destination-country charges.

Application

Your group
Experience800,000 JPY / person
Number of Participants
Interpreter

This expert communicates in Japanese only, so an interpreter is required for the experience. If you will bring your own interpreter or can communicate in Japanese, please note this in the preferred dates and message field below so that we can adjust your invoice.

Preferred dates and message

This experience will be arranged based on your request. Please let us know your preferred dates. Questions or special requests are welcome here as well.

This selection is priced individually. Please share your preferred dates so we can confirm the price with you.

We will respond via email, usually within 24 hours.

Questions / Requests
Reserve