Traditional Japanese Sword Making

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Ingredients

• Iron sand
• Charcoal
• Water

Instructions

1. Gather iron sand with high iron oxide content, around 80% by weight, from riverbeds by creating diversions to concentrate the iron.
2. Mix the iron sand with water to prevent it from flying up when heated.
3. Heat the iron sand and charcoal in a smelter at temperatures over 1,250 degrees Celsius to smelt the iron and create steel.
4. Add charcoal and iron sand gradually over a 24-hour period, periodically removing impurities like slag.
5. Forge the steel by hammering and folding it to spread impurities and create a grain pattern.
6. Shape the sword, varying carbon content in different parts for flexibility and hardness.
7. Cover the sword in clay, heat, and quench it in water to create different steel structures for the edge and spine.
8. Polish and sharpen the sword by hand using whetstones of varying coarseness.
9. Optionally engrave patterns on the sword.
10. Admire the finished sword, appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry involved in its creation.

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