The Japanese sword, often epitomized by the katana, is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural history, craftsmanship, and the ideals of the samurai who wielded it. Known for ...

The traditional katana sword is fashioned only from the purest steel, which the Japanese call tamahagane ("jewel steel"). Over three days and three nights, smelters using ancient techniques shovel ...

Japanese swords focus on powerful cutting with a curved blade, while Chinese swords emphasize balance and movement with straight or curved designs. Japanese sword combat is direct and precise, whereas ...

As fears rise in Japan about nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant, the first and best line of defense are the reactor’s six inch thick steel-walled chambers, made by a company that still forges ...