Samurai Sword: Making of a Legend

Few weapons achieve iconic status, but the katana would definitely be at the top of this shortlist. Katana: Making a Legend explores the weapon’s rich history, meticulous craftsmanship, and spiritual significance.

Swords originated in feudal Japan in the 10th century. They were designed for use by the samurai, a group of warriors considered to be the most elite and skilled of their time. Their top combat weapon is the katana, crafted from a unique grade of steel that has the precision and balance to cut fine lines and the power to slice an enemy in half. The film travels to the last remaining factory in Japan that still produces this rare sword. It is a weapon steeped in tradition, born of unparalleled craftsmanship, pure raw steel, and a stream of molten fire.

In these circles, swordsmithing is still considered a sacred art. The privileged few who are chosen as apprentice swordsmiths must undergo years of training before they can be considered masters of their craft. For them, entering this select circle is a crowning honor and places them in a pantheon of proud traditions stretching back thousands of years.

The audience will witness every step of the sword-making process throughout the film. We see the careful selection of every raw material for the sword, the initial casting at unbearable heat, and the months of work that go into perfecting the final design and look of the weapon. The accuracy and care with which these artists work will impress. Even more striking are the features that make each sword unique. No sword is exactly the same.

Technology may have made leaps in the power and size of modern weapons, but the faux katana has proven to be a timeless classic that cannot be surpassed. While we marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship on display, The Katana Sword: Making a Legend also offers insights from a team of scholars who place the weapon in its historical, social and spiritual context.

Directed by: John Wate