#1 THE LITTLE CROW KATANA
Hand made by Steve Schwarzer and Wally Hostetter. This sword was made using only traditional methods and technique used at the time the original was made. Below is the technical description put together by Wally using, our research information gleaned from old sword books. It appears there is only one example of this school of sword-smithing left in the imperial collection in Japan. We have done our best to replicate this rare tradition.
TSURUGA and TSURUGI NO TACHI: The term Tsurugi refers to a type of two-edged sword with a sharp point. It is not clear what it looked like in the early stages of its development. Surviving examples from the period under discussion and later are symmetrical; with each edge the same or nearly the same distance from the central ridge. The expression Tsurugi No Tachi, is often mentioned in the mid-eights century Mayoshu and other early verse collections. It is explained as referring to a type of sword which has one edge in the part near the hilt and is two edged only near the point. In the Todai-ji Kemnatsucho this type of sword is described as Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri (“two edges at the point style”).This was in vogue from the Nara Period to the early part of the Heian period, that is, from the mid seventh to the ninth century.
The celebrated sword called Kogarasu-Maru, “The Little Crow”, an heirloom of the Taira clan, was made, according to an old tradition, by a smith called Amakuni, and because it is in the two-edge Kaissaki-Moroha style, that style is sometimes also referred to as Kogarau-Zukuri, (“The Little Crow Style”). This Amakuni is said in old sword books to have lived in Yamato Province at the beginning of the eighth century, but no signed works survive today. The Tachi Kogarasu-Maru, passed down from generation in the Taira clan, is now in the Imperial Household Collection: although it is in the two edged style, it differs considerably in form and constructions from the examples in the Shuso-In in that, among other things, the blade is strongly curved near the hilt and the two edged section is remarkably long. The long grove carved along the blade, more appropriate to a Halbred (Naginataj) than to a sword, it is more likely to be of the late eighth or early ninth century date.
The fittings: The Tsuba is wrought iron. Its design is of an old Bamboo fence with Wisteria Vines growing through the fence. The vines are 24K gold. The Munukis are Bamboo stems with gold leaves. They are made of sterling silver, blackened and 24K gold highlights. The Fuchi and Kashira are also sterling silver, darkened and 24K gold highlights. The Saga is done in what is called Togidashimakie (Polighe-out Makie) which a design is laid out on the Saga then further colored layers of lacquer are put on then polished down to expose the pattern on a smooth surface. The Tsuka or handle is a wood core with same, rayskin put on, then leather wrapped Ito. The Saya also has Tachi Style fittings put no to reinforce the Saya on the lower end. Of all the information I have, or have seen, this is pretty much the only blade still around that looks like this. Wally and I only make two or three blades a year together. Wally is a very accomplished sword smith in his own right.
#2 TANTO
By Schwarzer and Hostetter. We only make a couple of these blades a year. They are made using only traditional techniques and some modern materials that improve the blade performance. This is a tanto, 11 3/4 inches long. The blade shape is called Shobu Zakuri and of robust proportions. The temper line is Sanbon Sugi. The steel is 1085. The Hobaki is forged copper with 24K gold plating. The mounting for the blade is called an Aikuchi: a type of mounting without a Tsuba or guard. The Saya is an asymmetrical spiral pattern carved in the wood, then an Ishima, meaning stone pattern in black lacquer is applied to it. All the Saya fittings are water buffalo horn. The handle or Tsuka is same rayskin put on, then leather wrapped Ito. The Menukis are sterling silver and gold plated water buffalo. This is a very popular style blade from the 1600’s on to modern times.
#3 GOBLIN FEAST
A gentlemen’s fork and knife set. The fork and knife are made for hand forged Damascus steel. The handles are carved goblins made for roebuck horns. The carving is a fantasy work that I have enjoyed doing in the past. Getting may hand back in my old craft brings back a lot of joy in my work
#4 POCKET GEM
In honor of my old teacher, Jim Schmidt, I wanted to do something to honor the skills he passed on to me. Jim made a great impression on my early work. This knife is homage to Jim’s great finishing skills. It is as he often said, the knife speaks for its self. I hope it speaks to the viewer.
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Stephen Schwarzer
Pomona Park, Florida
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