3 comments about Strength to Your Sword Arm: Selected Writings.

1. Reading Brenda Ueland's essays are like chatting with an old friend. Her description, enthusiasm, and sheer enjoyment of writing permeate every page of this charming book. Each essay is short--between 2 and 4 pages--and deals with a single topic, making it possible to skip between topics rather than read from page one. Her characters are colorful and wonderfully drawn--you will feel as if you were sitting in the park with her, listening to this marvelous woman telling tales of her amazing life!



2. A woman who lived with passion, spunk, and humor, Brenda Ueland is an inspiration to women writers, and especially to writers of memoir. Her style is unbridled and totally original; her voice bounces off the page and engages the reader. Her book of advice on writing, IF YOU WANT TO WRITE, is a classic, and I recommend it (at the top of my list) to all students in my writing workshops. STRENTH TO YOUR SWORD ARM is a fine collection of articles, essays, and newspapers columns written by Ueland. An added bonus in this book is the delightful foreward written by memoirist Susan Allen Toth. Overall, this book is a wonderful way to learn more about Brenda Ueland. Clearly, there is no one else like her. -- Cindy La Ferle, columnist and author of Writing Home. www.laferle.com



3. After reading so many positive reviews of the author's works, I looked forward to a good read of well-written essays.
   
   When the book arrived, I perused the table of contents and saw an essay title that I hoped was not as it sounded: "How to cut the throat properly". After reading this essay I immediately regretted buying the book, which I walked straight to the garage and dumped in my trash can. Indeed, I will never read this author's work again.
   
   I've witnessed (and been the recipient of) enough cruelty to last a lifetime. Maybe I'm over-sensitive to such issues, or maybe not. Either way, this author is off my list and I hope it won't take too long for the images she so successfully created in her essay to fade from my memory.

2 comments about Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum.

1. In a very few words, this book is informative to both the newcomer and the more advanced collector. The historical and technical information is authoratative and concise, but the best part of the book are the incredible photos of the blades. These are the best photos I have ever seen, you can actually see the hamons and hadas which are also described in the text. It is extremely difficult to take photos like these, and in many books you can see the blade but not the individual characteristics which actually give the beauty to the blade.



2. This fine volume documents an exhibit of Japanese swords (nihonto) on display at the British Museum circa 2005 (at least, that's when the book was published) along with some background information on nihonto in general. As the authors note, "this book is intended to be a catalogue for the exhibition... and also a guide to the study of Japanese sword blades based on that exhibition."
   
   The book starts with a solid introductory text that covers rough basics about Japanese swords (how they're made, their place in Japanese culture, etc.) and also reviews in reasonable detail a brief history of medieval Japan, along with corresponding changes in sword manufacture over its different eras. This type of information can be found in any of a number of different introductory books elsewhere, but here it has just the right amount of detail on the main epochs of sword making -- Heian, Kamakura, Nambokucho, Muromachi, Momoyama, and Edo. Also included within the intro on a two-page spread is a nice illustration of different characteristics of blades -- kissaki/boshi (tip), hamon ('temper' line), jigane/hada (steel grain), blade cross sections, and nakago (tang) styles. This kind of information can also be found elsewhere, in both more and less detail depending on the book, but it's just about the right amount for the intent of this volume. Even better is a two-pager of representative blades from different eras lined up side-by-side and showing changes in sugata (shape) over time -- unlike other books, they are presented as B&W photos here rather than just line drawings which is very helpful to see defining features.
   
   The real meat of the volume consists of the catalogue listing of the 89 blades from the exhibit. The blades (which include tachi, katana, wakizashi, tanto, and the occasional yari and naginata) are arranged chronologically from when they were made and categorized into Koto, Edo, Shinto, and Shin Shinto eras, with brief descriptions of defining regional traditions and schools (e.g. Bizen, Mino, Echigo, etc.) within those eras, followed by a brief but reasonably detailed description of each exhibit blade (discussing the smith, date of manufacture, sugata, hada, hamon, etc.) and their accompanying koshirae (saya, tsuba, and other fittings). The second section then includes stunningly detailed B&W photos of each blade, both up close so that you can see details of hada and hamon as well as full length shots showing the sugata, tang, and mei (note that all of the blades were brought to full polish prior to the exhibit). In addition, an accompanying photo shows each blade's assembled koshirae -- this British Museum collection seems to have included almost all blades with full mounts. These pages comprise the real strength of the book -- the photos are outstanding and document in rich detail each blade. My only complaint is that there are no color photos of the koshirae, which are obviously ornate with exquisite design and detail, so that B&W doesn't do them justice (though there are about 10 pages of color photos of koshirae elsewhere in the book). Likewise, it would have been nice to see some photos of the unsheathed blades fitted to tsuka and tsuba, but all of the photos are of the naked blade with nagako exposed.
   
   Those minor complaints aside, this is an excellent tome that gives a decent introduction to nihonto, and provides a stellar photo-documentary of an outstanding museum grade collection. Aside from the auction books put out by Christie's of the Walter Compton Collection (which are out-of-print, rare, and expensive), I can think of no other English language book that accomplishes this (for less than $25 no less). All in all, an wonderful resource for both the novice who just wants to drool at swords as art, or those beginning kantei (study and appreciation of nihonto) in earnest.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Swords.

1. The book was very good reading material if you just want a story. The characters in the book are a little under-developed but the book still had meaning. If you cast aside the difference of the Roman and Greek names of the gods its a good book. I think the worst part of the book was the ending but i still would recommend it to anyone who just wants to sit down and read a good book without spending an hour analyzing it.



2. If you like a good fast read, that leaves you wanting more, then this book is for you. Luckily, there are stories that follow that are equally fun.



3. ... but I did read the entire Book of Swords and the entire follow up The Book of Lost swords.
   This review is more in response to a few of the other reviews. The Book of Swords is a fast paced fantasy that plays out a game started by "the gods" for their amusement. There are magicians everywhere good and evil, guilds, kingdoms, battles, and at least one character growing into himself. What more could you want... Oh yes you could want to go around in circles and get a whole lot more in depth so each book would take a couple of weeks instead of a couple of days.
   Saberhagen did not need to go anymore in depth for a book at this reading level!
   If that isn't enough for you than you probably don't want this series. If you wander what your getting yourself into when you start a series of books than...
   This is an excelent choice for someone who is not used to reading very long books but does not like a (good) story to end. This is one story that is broken up into smaller self sufficient stories. If you usually just read one book and your done you will be pleased with this book and may even expand your horizons. You can keep going if you want to but you don't have to if you want to be finished. However, if you are looking for your reading for the next year you would be sourly disappointed. It goes comparativly quickly for a series.
   I don't believe this series was ever intended for a college level reader, except perhaps in discusing symolizm (in fact it is full of it my english 102 professor would have a field day).
   This is a great book for some one who might be intimidated by a large book with large words. Someone on the 6th or 8th grade level should get through it but anyone who enjoys magic would be able to enjoy as well. I read strictly sci. fi. before I read this series but now I love the longer fantasy stuff. I haven't gone back to short Sci. fi. novels.



4. As the title suggests this is the complete book of the first three sword books. If you are a fantasy fan it is a must read. From the opening epilogue of Vulcan forging the 12 swords, Saberhagen will captivate you to finish the first book and the remaining two. It starts out describing the smith god with somewhat human characteristics and very descriptive action scenes, that take the human condition and forge them into the 12 swords. It starts off as a game of the gods but later turns out to be the architecture of their demise. The development of the key characters is second to none. Saberhagen conveys a deep connection with Mark and Ben even Marks father Jord. I would only say that the laps between the books does leave the read in wonder a little, there is a little of a time lapse, where I think the author could supply us with some more details, but this does not take anything away from the substance of the stories. This compilation sets the stage rather nicely for the books to follow which tell of the exploits of the remaining swords. So sit back and enjoy this carefree read!!



5. On the surface, and especially in the first book, this appears to be just another fantasy novel - young boy given a magical sword, sets out to seek his fate, blah blah bibbity blah. However, we see depths here, hints of a mysterious past in the world (technology was banished 2000 years ago for a length of time of 49,949 years - what a strange number - does it mean something?), tales of other magical swords - which are apparently true, as evil-doers start coming out of the woodwork left and right seeking the boy to steal his magical sword in order to gain its power for their own.
   
   While I would like to see deeper character development, or more details on the mysterious past, at the same time it would likely ruin Saberhagen's forward momentum to slow it down and do so.
   
   Usually the second book in a trilogy - the book to "bridge the gap" - tends to be ... shall we say, not quite up to the par of the first and third books. This is not the case in this instance. In "The Second Book of Swords," five years have passed, and while Barbara has been traveling with a carnival, Ben has chosen to sign up with the Blue Temple for service and Mark has wandered off who-knows-where in his quest to find ways to help fight against the Dark King. Early in the book they all reunite and, with Ben's urging, they decide to try to rob the Blue Temple's treasure hoard, which Ben guarantees has at least one Sword. Along the way they run across another treasure hunter - the Baron Doon, guided by the Sword Wayfinder - with whom Ben and Mark continue their quest, while Barbara goes her own way.
   
   While The First Book of Swords was a fairly simple plot with flat characters and brisk movement, Saberhagen took more care to building his characters in the second book, while maintaining a fast pace. I was personally pleased by this, as I like to know a bit about the characters in the stories I read.
   
   In the third book of the trilogy, another four years have passed. Ben and Barbara are living undercover as the wealthy Lord and Lady Courtenay and Mark continues on his quest to help Kind Sir Andrew - who, with his remaining troops, has been living in the swamp and using guerrilla tactics to fight the Dark King - in any way he can to stay one-up on the Dark King. Meanwhile, gods who are tired of uppity humans have decided to end their game and are trying to get their Swords back.
   
   There is so much going on in this last book that I don't dare go much more into it without worrying about spoilers, and I don't want to do that! I'll just say that the ending, while it smacks somewhat of deus ex machina, is nonetheless satisfactory and ties things up nicely.
   
   This is definitely a great book and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys good fantasy with a hint of epic nature. If you are a fan of the sword and sorcery genre of fantasy (with a bit of a twist), definitely spend the time it will take to find these very fun books. I know I am pleased with the trilogy and have made a note to myself to go and seek the rest of the books set in this world (there are certainly a lot of them!) - the Lost Swords books and the Empire of the East books, for example. I think I've discovered a new author to add to my list of "favorites."

5 comments about The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords.

1. This book must be the most informative (almost too much) but easy (as possible considering the subject) to read book I have ever owned. It really does have everything you need to know if you are thinking about purchasing a sword. I live in Japan, and when I showed my book to the shop owner I am friends with he was very impressed. Even with a language barrier we were able to communicate about certain features of swords that he was selling in his shop. A must buy if you have any interest on the subject.



2. This book is essential for all that want to take a closer and deep knowledge on japanese swords. Complete and easy to use.



3. National Living Treasure Kokan Nagayama's "Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords" is one of the definitive references on Japanese swords (nihonto) available in English translation. I bought it after either purchasing or familiarizing myself with several other essential, but much more basic tomes such as John Yumoto's "The Samurai Sword: A Handbook," Kazan Sato's "The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide," and Kapp and Yoshihara's "The Craft of the Japanese Sword." Each of these books has a niche, along with relative strengths and weaknesses (e.g., Yumoto's book is but a brief overview with crude hand illustrations, Kapp & Yoshihara focus on a general overview of forging, etc.) such that those seriously entering the world of nihonto would be well-served to collect them all (after all, all of these books together are going to cost a infinitesimal fraction of the cost of a nihonto and will therefore be a sound investment).
   
   The stated intent of the Connosieur's Book is to arm the novice with a beginning understanding of the types of things that one would need to learn about kantei, the art of nihonto appraisal. Having said that, the level of detail here is far beyond that found in most other introductory books about nihonto for novices, and probably more than the casual fan of "samurai swords" would benefit from. The book is really designed as a reference and includes considerable detail. It does a nice job of going through major and subtle differences of nihonto through different eras and schools of sword-making, along with a brief historical context to explain changes and influences. It likewise gives an illustrated reference to variations in sugata (shape), design (sori, mune, shinogi), hamon (hardened edge), nakago (tang), kissaki (tip), hada (steel grain), horimono (engravings) and the like. There are no photos, but there are ample oshigata-style illustrations showing the subtlest variations to match with the text. Significant detail is included listing various schools of forging and individual smiths -- all of which are essential building blocks for kantei. There's also an appendix on inspection etiquette, charts organizing smiths and characteristics of their blades, and a glossary.
   
   It's therefore a fine reference, from one of Japan's leading authorities, but as with the other books of the genre, there are strengths and limitations. The strong point of this text is its encyclopedic detail along with decent organization and illustrations. I picked this book up hoping to learn more (having read the other books, taken a course in forging of Japanese swords, and training in Japanese swordsmanship) about differences in major traditions of swordmaking. The book helps to explain that, but perhaps not in the clearest way. As but one simple example, Nagayama Sensei writes, "Swords of the Shoshu tradition typically have abundant ji-nie as well as chikei in the ji, and a hamon consisting of nie with vigorous activity such as kinsuji and inazuma." The Japanese terms can be cross-referenced elsewhere in the book, but they are presented individually and piecemeal, such that it can often be hard for the novice reader to get any kind of clear overall mental picture of the subtleties referred to in the text (e.g. what does it really mean that the nie is 'abundant' or 'vigorous?'). So what is missing? More illustrations of entire swords (and at least some photos) could be of use, along with side-by-side comparisons to understand the relative differences between styles (e.g. here is a typical Bizen, here is a typical Shoshu and here's how they're different), or maybe a few examples of swords in which the reader is taken through the process of kantei.
   
   Of course, there is only so much you can teach in a book... you can't very well expect to read a manual on swordsmanship, car repair, or reading EKG's and then get right to it -- rather the manual gives you an overview, you then take up the practice, and later you go back to the book for reference. So it is here -- I seriously doubt the book would be very helpful for those who don't plan to earnestly start collecting nihonto and studying kantei, and in fact the level of detail and complexity might very well turn some away. But for those looking for "the next level" of reference after Yumoto or Sato, this book is a good start to learn and refer back to as you then track down, join, and attend your local Token-Kai. It's probably one of the best English language references, but it's not a tutorial or class-in-a-book nor does it claim to be.



4. If you're into swinging a katana around then you eventually desire a good one. I luckily have a good one and this book has helped me "connect" with it a lot better. I now understand where my sword and its creator fit in Japanese history. Every time I clean the blade, I find myself thinking about some of the features making it unique and special.
   
   On the negative side, the book has increased my hunger for an even better sword. "Better" meaning more suited to my body and training which I now know, thanks to this book, means an older sword - perhaps a couple centuries. As swords appear on the market, this book helps me evaluate them before asking anyone to look into it or go see it myself.



5. Upon first opening this book and flipping through the pages, I said to myself "Wow, this is a lot of information". From an exhaustive history of the different schools of smiths and their names, to the illustrated pages of different Hamon and Boshi patterns, I feel that this is a most complete workup on the Japanese katana. The information that is in this book is enormous. I knew quite a bit about Japanese swords, but after reading this book, I feel fully equipped to have a conversation with even the most knowledgable. Although I am unable to memorize all of the information in this book, I have found this to be a great reference material that I am constantly using. This is definately a book that should be in your collection if you are involved with katanas on any level and would like to know more.

5 comments about The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing.

1. After reading the book entitled "The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing" I now have a much clearer and detailed understanding of the process used by traditional Japanese sword polishers. The book takes the reader though all of steps from the foundation polish, used to shape and sharpen the blade, to the finish polish, which is used bring out the details of the steel and shape of the temper line, using good text and a fair number of detailed photographs. It includes some Japanese sword polish theory and how Japanese swords have changed over the historical periods. It also explains how the age of the sword can affect how the sword should be polished and what damage can and cannot be repaired by a polisher. In the last section of the book it contains a few profiles of professional Japanese sword polishers the authors of the book had interviewed which I enjoyed reading.
   As someone who studies and appreciates the Japanese sword I found the book very helpful in educating me more about the process of how a Japanese sword is polished. I would recommended this book to anyone interested in learning in detail how Japanese swords are polished.



2. Very Informative Great book To lean about grades of stones and thier uses



3. No book could ever teach how to pollish a sword and this book does not try. What it does is lead the novice (or expert) through the complex and time intensive process of sword polishing. You will gain a better understanding of what the polisher (and sword maker) hope to achieve. Also covered are the basics of construction, shapes and terminology. Lots of detail into each step of the polish and what it is doing in bringing out the beauty of the blades construction, as well as some history and bios of current polishers. Great photos.



4. I would recomend this book who are deeply interested on the whole process of Japanes blademaking, what is follow the also highly appreciated forging of the blades.
   The book will NOT teach You how to make the polish in practice,( I think based on the book one can try it, but I also think it is not possible to learn without a master's direct instruction ), but give You every theoretical knowledge in very details and very understandable way !
   
   The book explain every step of the process, the sequence of the steps, what type of tools - as artifical and natural stones, powders, steel tools, oils, helping tools, etc. is used in the different steps. Explain how to modify the special polishing stones and how to use them.
   The books shows the results of the different steps, effect of stones on good pictures, so You can understand the meaning of the steps and stone materials.
   The descriptons explaining the polishing movements/directions of the blade and also the tools, in the different steps.
   Explain some special methods for masking or special treating.
   Make clear indication what has to be done and what should not be done, meanwhile the poishing.
   
   My oppinion it is a must have for everybody who is a collector or just simply interested why the blades are looks like as they are, or why don't looks like as we would like to have.
   Good theoretical explanation for everybody and also make appreciation for the sword polishers and their precise, heavily trained work.



5. This is the best English language book available on the subject of Japanese sword polishing. It sheds more light on the subject than any other source available. It is a must have for any student of traditional Japanese Samurai swords. David S. Hofhine, [...]

5 comments about The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library).

1. i loved this book it gave me all the information i needed on the art of the japanese swords.



2. This book is exactly what the title says it is. It truly is a comprehensive guide to various japanese swords detailing the types and nomenclature of the swords.



3. 
   This is one of the BEST books on the Japanese Sword including history, terminology, et cetera. I really don't know how anyone could have a sword collection or interest without this book. A friend bought this for me as a gift, way before I was interested in swords... now I have hundreds of books (mainly on swords), and this is certainly my favorite. Great book, GREAT illustrations and photographs, superb glossary. You certainly wont be disappointed.



4. Although the title is a bit misleading, as the book also includes other edge weapons besides swords as well as their fittings, it was informative for a novice collector. The color photographs are outstanding.



5. I bought this book for my husband. He loves swords. He keeps it and has read some of it but not all of it. I rated it because he wants to keep the book.

5 comments about The Samurai Sword: A Handbook.

1. A PERFECT SOURCE WHO WANTS TO LEARN ABAUT JAPANESE SWORDS AND THEIR HISTORY



2. mr. yumoto's work is very descriptive and pictures fill the pages more than text does.
   
   "Samurai Sword a Handbook" lacks an analytic quality that would bring togheter the social, historical, technical and martial dimensions of the nihonto.
   
   last but not least, such an important - and relatively undocumented - subject as care and maintenance of japanese blades is simply and vaguely evoked in two pages that make up a ridiculous chapter.
   
   all in all, yumoto's work is too old to be satisfying to comtemporary readers in search of a meaningful, concise handbook which would explain rather than describe.



3. The book is an excellent reference book on the sword. Detailed descriptions are backed up with plenty of pictures.



4. This is a must have for any person interested in more than just the look of a Japanese sword. It is an excellent beginers guide to what to look for in a sword, especially for novice collectors. This is the seveth edition of this handbook. I have a couple of the preceeding editions, but I like this one.
   Dean



5. This is a great book, very informative and it was delivered before the promised date.

5 comments about The Book of Swords.

1. There are many books written about swords, but like most history they all have the same fault, a vast distance between author and subject. This book represents a valiant effort to close that distance with more than 60 years of research backed up by experiment. Want to know how effective armour was? Well Hank Reinhardt cut it with both replica and original weapons. Have you ever wondered how encumbering maele was? Hear it from a man who ran two miles a day in it. Where fighting is concerned the author begins with an experiment at the age of thirteen and ends with sparring in his seventies. Along the way he examines first hand accounts of historical combat and compares them with modern street fights witnessed by the author.
   Is it the most complete book about arms and armour? Reinhardt himself awards that honour to Oakshot and Burton. However, it is likely the most practical and unique of our time, and it certainly closes much of the gap left by the likes of Oakshot.



2. Hank Reinhardt dedicated his life to learning the truth about swords, from how they were made to how they were used. This book contains information that anyone interested in learning more about swords should have. "The Book of Swords" offers a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics specific to swords of all types. Some of the topics covered include: the history of the sword from bronze age to modern times, the metallurgy, the different fighting styles, and development of different sowrds. In this book, you will see that Hank Reinhardt spent time not only learning to use swords but how to use a sword correctly through research, experimentation and sparring. Whether a person has a casual interest, or is a serious student of swordplay the book has something for everyone.
   
   One of the most striking things of "The Book of Swords" is the ease of reading. Hank Reinhardt not only had a passion for swords and swordsmanship, but also to share this information. And it shows in this insightful and knowledgeable work. It is a book that you will find yourself reading and referencing again and again.



3. The only book of swordsmanship that discusses the mechanics of cutting in detail with relevant explanations. This may be the book I have waited years to read. The insight and practical knowledge expressed by not only his scholarship but years of experimentation is invaluable. This is a must have for any scholar of the sword and its use.



4. In a society fraught with habitual hype and melodrama, especially in the arena of martial arts, which includes Western martial practices of the sword, Hank Reinhardt has always been a beacon of empirical pragmatism, never taking himself too seriously, yet always applying his research methods utilizing good science.
   
   This book reflects this realism, not merely as an ideal with which to aspire, but through solid documentation. Unfortunately, Hank died an untimely death before this book could actually be completed, but fortunately, Hank also had completed a rough draft, from which the editors of his estate were able to compile this work.
   
   Divided in fourteen chapters, the book is organized into something of a historical chronology of the sword's evolution through mankind's progression, ending with chapters addressing the basic techniques and mindset attributed to the sword's potential applications in battle, single duels and in friendly competitions.
   
   In the early chapters of this manuscript, Hank delves into the science of the sword's fundamental make up from bronze to iron to steel, giving the reader the facts of a sword's basic structure, which, in effect limits the sword's elemental function. In his usual matter-of-fact, yet humble way, the myths established about the sword are squished in a hurry.
   
   Various sword types are elaborated on in subsequent chapters, discussing the Eastern sword types, including the Japanese swords, as well as Near/Mid-Eastern swords, as well the those swords commonly found originating from Western Europe, from the time of pre-Bronze age through to the late Iron Age.
   
   Not only does Hank discuss the sword through good research from reliable and credible sources and his own empirical experiments, he addresses the issue of armor, which was often in race with the offensive arms creators to negate the effectiveness of the sword's capacity to kill.
   
   Hank constantly stresses to the reader the importance of understanding the context in which the sword was used and how it evolved--this means understanding the social context, the political context, the economical context and cultural aspects under which people lived and died. He warned directly and indirectly about evaluating the sword, and all weapons of this time frame, under the context of our current contemporary cultural and societal influences. To do would be great folly in seeing the sword clearly.
   
   The one weakness of the book, and this is no reflection on Hank Reinhardt, but is merely inherent in the nature of the book and how it had to be completed and that is a feeling of incompleteness with some of the chapters. Hank did die before he could complete this book. Hanks style of writing is as though each reader is talking privately with Hank and he is conveying his personal story to each individual reader. The excellent aspect of this is the reader makes a connection and assimilates the wisdom in a seamless fashion. However, the downside is that, even though the information is seamless, it ends and sometimes with an abruption of, "there's more to be said...and it stops..."
   
   All good writers write multiple drafts until the final one materializes. I know there is more Hank wanted to elaborate on about the focus of his in-depth descriptions. Some, however, feel as though they just stop, and no one can ask Hank, "Okay, what comes next, Sir?" Know, however, this doesn't subtract from the validity and reliability of the information already included. It only leaves the reader wanting more, which may be just the kind of inspiration the reader needs to go out and find answers for the self--which Hank always encouraged, any way.
   
   Hank Reinhardt was one of the true contemporary grand master's of the sword. Never, ever while he was alive, would Hank accept such a title, regardless who might attempt to bestow it upon him. Nor would Hank even dream of self-professing such a grandiose title.
   
   Today, the contemporary commercial martial arts arena is bloated with self-professed masters and grand masters of the area of Western martial arts just as pervasive as, and on par with, what exists, presently, in the Eastern martial arts arena. From this abundance of insecure yet commercially successful martial artists, great disinformation and personal opinion conveyed as fact, about the potential use and application of the sword has begun to proliferate. Something Hank Reinhardt worked so diligently to off-set.
   
   Hank Reinhardt was never about this hype and worked very, very hard to discredit and dispel this type of nonsense with legitimate fact tempered with his brand of humor and always humility. He was always that rare reliable, credible and valid source of information about the sword and everything in history that attaches itself to the sword through history. For this reason alone, this book is its own masterpiece of truth in world overrun with exaggerated claims.
   
   I never did have the opportunity or pleasure of meeting with Hank in person--face to face--but we did manage to correspond, periodically, for a period of several years between 1996 and 1998 via telephone and snail mail.
   
   Honest, straightforward and humble, our communiqués were enlightening--at least for me, and Hank's knowledge of the sword from both a scholarly and pragmatic point of view had no equal as far as I am concerned. Many seem to have tried--most fell way short.
   
   This book is of great historical and scholarly significance, and if anyone has a passion for the sword or even a passing fancy, this text will assist the reader in creating the correct perspective and context through which to properly evaluate the sword in its construction and use.
   
   Rev. A. Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
   Hikaze Learning Corner
   Two Pines Training Facility
   Wooster, Ohio



5. I have a house full of swords. I have Hank Reinhardt to thank for that. Never met the man. Just know that he was a driving force in stimulating the reproduction of historical weapons as an appreciation of the aesthetic of martial arts. Because guys like this drove their passion I get to come back from a 25 year absenteism from swordplay and find a brave new world of real steel study and fencing, marketable replicas, and US fencers medaling in the Olympics. It's unreal. It's wonderful.
   
   There is a saying that, "those who can do, and those who can't teach". Not that Hank Reinhardt wasn't a tremendous mentor who loved sharing his knowledge with anyone who was willing to be blessed. I just mean that this book, maybe, will disappoint because it is just a taste, an essence, of a man too busy to stop and synthesize all that he had learned and was continuing to do.
   
   But by all means read. There is a very practical worldview imparted on the science and history of swordcraft and use of the weapon. The book finishes with some trenchant observations on the business of swordfighting. None of this stuff is really hard to understand: all of it is frustratingly hard to master.
   
   This book won't teach you to fight. It will give you a chance to "smell the steel" and sense the dance. You'll want to come see and touch.

5 comments about The Craft of the Japanese Sword.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese swordmaking by looking at modern masters and how they make swords. If you are just beginning an interest in Japanese swords and how they are made, this is the book for you. The book takes you through the process of forging the blade, polishing, making the habaki and finally the scabard. This book is highly recommended!



2. It's a good book, good information!
   Photos should be color, that's the only thing I don't like!
   But anyway, I like it!



3. An excellent book. It has all you need to know to either understand the craft of the sword or to begin your own explorations into the craft. Or both.Craft of the Japanese Sword is well written and illustrated, with an emphasis on the artisanship and detail of each step in creating these beautiful works. Ken wa hito nari.



4. An excellent book, getting a bit old now but still extremely relevant.
   
   Well written with excellent descriptions and photos.
   
   Good to see Yoshindo Yoshihara is still alive, but he looks a bit older than the book photo!
   
   I throughly recommend this book to anyone starting out in Japanese swords.
   
   Steve



5. Worth every penny. It doesn't go very deep in each subject, but enough to better understand and appreciate Japanese swords. The described forging techniques are detailed enough in my opinion for someone who wish to start trying forging his own blades (most probably knives for beginning). Lots of stuff can't be learned by books, and this one is no exception, but at least you'll learn basic forging techniques instead of starting from scratch, on your own.
   
   It has a great deal of information on Japanese swords, how to identify them according to the era they were made, etc.
   
   I highly suggest this book for every Japanese sword enthusiast.

1 comments about Samurai Swords.

1. An outstanding book for the serious collector or just for someone interested in the role the Japanese swords played in the long history of Japan. This book is a must have reference book for any collector whether new or advanced. The cost of this book is a fraction of what it would be for any similar type of book written in the Japanese language.