Steel
High-carbon steel, hardened along the edge so the cutting edge and the spine finish at different hardnesses. That difference is what the hamon traces.
Collection
Seven blades.
Each carries a different geometry, finish and mounting — from restrained traditional profiles to modern exhibition pieces. Choose one and it is waiting on the floor.
Anatomy
Eight names, one sword.
The vocabulary the rest of this page uses, set against the blade it describes.
- 01 Kashira かしら
- 02 Tsuka-ito つかいと
- 03 Tsuba つば
- 04 Habaki はばき
- 05 Hamon はもん
- 06 Shinogi しのぎ
- 07 Monouchi ものうち
- 08 Kissaki きっさき
- 01 Kashira かしら
- The cap that closes the end of the hilt.
- 02 Tsuka-ito つかいと
- The wrap over the hilt. Its crossings are what the hand indexes on.
- 03 Tsuba つば
- The guard. Iron here, fitted tight enough to need no adhesive.
- 04 Habaki はばき
- The collar. It carries the blade in the scabbard so the edge never touches wood.
- 05 Hamon はもん
- The line left by hardening the edge harder than the spine.
- 06 Shinogi しのぎ
- The ridge running the length of the blade, and the plane above it.
- 07 Monouchi ものうち
- The stretch of edge that does the cutting, about a third back from the point.
- 08 Kissaki きっさき
- The point, bounded by its own line across the blade.
Craft
Made to be held. Chosen to be kept.
Inspect every line. What follows is what we control, and what it changes about the blade in your hand.
Geometry
Curvature, taper and the position of the ridge decide how a blade moves. We set those first and let the finish follow, rather than the other way round.
Polish
Polished by hand through successive stones. The finish is chosen per blade — bright where the steel rewards it, matte where handling matters more.
Fittings
Iron, brass or copper, fitted tight to the blade. Nothing is glued. The tang runs the full length of the hilt and is pinned through it.
Balance
Balance before ornament. The point of balance is set close to the guard and checked in the hand before anything else is signed off.
Inspection
Every blade is checked for straightness, edge continuity, fitting tolerance and finish before it is boxed. Anything that fails goes back.
Visit
See the blades in person.
Visit Aonagi to inspect balance, finish, fittings, and presentation before choosing your blade.
Address
2-14-6 Higashi-AzabuSecond floor
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0044
Japan
Hours
- Tuesday — Friday 12:00 — 19:00
- Saturday 11:00 — 18:00
- Sunday — Monday By appointment
Contact
- Telephone+81 3 0000 0000
- Emailvisit@aonagi.example
The blade is only understood in the hand.
Appointments are held outside opening hours and run about an hour. Tell us which blades you would like brought out and we will have them ready on the floor.
Nearest station is a six-minute walk. The entrance is on the side street; press the second buzzer.
Ownership & care
What to expect once the blade is yours.
Before you order
Rules covering the purchase, ownership and transport of a sharpened blade differ by country and often by region. Confirm what applies where you live before ordering. We will ask you to confirm this at checkout.
Shipping and collection
Blades are shipped in a fitted case, insured, and require a signature. Collection in store is available on request and is the option we recommend when it is practical for you.
Care
Wipe the blade down after handling and oil it lightly. Store horizontally, edge up, out of a sealed case. A care kit is included with every blade, and we will go through it with you in person if you collect.
Servicing
We re-oil, inspect and adjust fittings for any blade bought from us. Polishing is quoted separately and is sent out to a specialist.