TATARA KAJI KOBO [IRON WORKS]

The tatara iron making method is a traditional process for smelting iron that has been handed down through the generations. World-famous samurai swords are forged with steel created using the tatara method. To make a sword, first the steel is heated to 1300 degrees Celsius and then pounded by a variety of hammers. This process is repeated, and the steel is folded over and over like pastry dough 10-15 times. By the time the blade is finished, it will have over 300 layers, creating a sword which is both flexible, sharp, and strong.