Japanese sword-making, known as nihonto, is a traditional craft that dates back over a thousand years. The process involves forging high-quality steel, called tamahagane, which is layered and folded to create a strong and resilient blade. Craftsmen, known as tosho, use specific techniques to shape the blade, ensuring it has the right balance and sharpness. The final product is often characterized by its distinctive curve and beautiful patterns, known as hamon, which are formed during the tempering process. Each sword is unique, reflecting the skill and artistry of the maker, and is often accompanied by a decorative tsuba (handguard) and saya (scabbard).