The process of observing a Japanese sword is a detailed and respectful ritual that must be carried out with great care to preserve the sword’s integrity and honor its cultural significance. Below is an expanded and more detailed description of the procedure:

Initial preparation: Before beginning, it is essential to ensure that your hands are clean to avoid any damage or contamination to the sword. It is recommended to wear white cotton gloves or, alternatively, hold a handkerchief in each hand. This not only protects the sword but also demonstrates respect for the piece.

Initial positioning and handling: Slightly bow towards the sword as a sign of respect. Hold the handle, known as the Tsuka, with your right hand, while your left hand holds the Saya, which is the scabbard. This firm and precise grip is crucial for maintaining full control during the drawing process.

Drawing the sword: Proceed to carefully remove the sword from the Saya. It is important that the back of the Saya (called Mune) is oriented towards the ground, while the cutting edge (Ha) should face upwards. Ensure that the Mune rests inside the Saya. As you withdraw the blade, be very careful not to let the Ha touch the inner walls of the Saya, as any contact could cause accidental scratches on the edge, damaging the sword.

Placing the Saya: Once you have drawn the sword, place the Saya to the left of the sword on a clean and stable surface. This gesture ensures that the Saya is out of the way and ready for when the sword needs to be reassembled.

Preparing to dismantle the Tsuka: With the Saya set aside, prepare the specific tool for handling the sword. This tool, usually a small punch, is used to extract the Mekugi, a small peg that holds the Tsuka in place.

Removing the Mekugi: Using the appropriate tool, carefully push the Mekugi out of the Tsuka. This step must be performed with great precision to avoid any damage to the delicate parts of the sword.

Dismantling the Tsuka: Once the Mekugi has been removed, detach the Tsuka (handle) from the sword. To avoid losing the Mekugi, either reinsert it into the hole in the Tsuka or place it in a safe location. This is an important detail, as the Mekugi is a crucial component for the sword’s safety.

Removing the Habaki: Now, proceed to remove the Habaki, the metal piece located just above the Tsuka. This component is often gold-colored and plays a crucial role in the sword’s structure. Place the Habaki to the right of the sword on a clean surface.

Inspecting the blade: Hold the nakago (the unsharpened part of the blade that fits into the Tsuka) with your right hand. With your left hand, using washi paper, a handkerchief, or tissue paper, gently hold the blade. This step requires great care to avoid leaving marks or fingerprints on the blade.

Detailed observation: With the sword securely held, use the reflection of light on the blade’s surface to observe important details such as the Jigane (steel texture), the Hamon (tempered line), the Boshi (the end part of the Hamon on the tip of the sword), and the Mei (inscription of the maker). To properly appreciate these elements, it is necessary to move the sword up, down, or sideways, or even rotate it, to reflect light at the correct angle. This observation process is meticulous and may take time to capture all the details of the blade.

Concluding the process: Once you have finished examining the sword, make a slight bow as a sign of respect. Then, proceed to reassemble the sword by carefully reversing all the steps performed previously, ensuring that each component returns to its corresponding place with the same precision with which it was dismantled.

This process is not only a technique for observing a sword but also an act of respect and reverence towards an object of profound historical and cultural value.

* Images and idea sourced from Yurie Endo