The curve of the samurai sword is natural

A Katana is a type of traditionally made Japanese sword used by the samurai class. It is characterized by it's unique appearance--a curved, slender, one-sided blade and long grip for two-hand use. It is renowned for it's sharpness and strength.

The swords are traditionally forged from a Japanese steel called Tamahagane. The sword smith layers steels with different carbon concentrations on top of one another. This helps remove impurities. After this, the sword only has a slight curve, if any.

The curve comes about through a process called differential quenching. The smith coats the blade with several layers of a wet clay slurry. This concoction is unique to each smith. The edge of the blade is coated with a thinner layer than the sides. The sword is then heated and then quenched in water.

This causes only the blade's edge to harden and also causes the sword to curve because of the difference in the densities in the micro-structures of the steel. Once the sword is forged, it is sent to be polished. This process can take between 1 and 3 weeks.

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