Forge a knife under the guidance of a katana master using the same steel and skills as crafting a sword in this Odawara samurai sword studio

Details

• Private Experience

• Location: Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa

• 6 hours

• 6 people max. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.

• Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German interpretation may be available upon request)

Handheld Knife, Katana Heritage

When crafting a katana, both instinct and experience guide creation. Master swordsmiths, like Ozawa in his Odawara katana forge, transition seamlessly to the next step in the swordmaking process based on the crackle of the flames, the color of the fire, or the shape of the shattering sparks as the hammer hits scorching steel. Painstaking care goes into every part of the process, as crafting just a single katana sword can take months, and apprentices training for years upon years before being nationally certified to create their own katana blades. In this intensive, full-day masterclass, utilize the same forging techniques as an authentic katana sword to create your own small knife. Observe the master operate the forge and maneuver the steel, then file, shape, and refine your blade until it's ready for the final step - the yaki-iri, a highly challenging technique where the blade is heated and plunged into water, creating its final curved shape and iconic hamon pattern. While making your own katana is a process that requires immense amounts of time, this professionally-led workshop allows you the chance to practice katana-making techniques in a single session, guided by a master katana maker.

What you’ll do

Visit an authentic katana forge in Odawara and observe a master swordsmith at work. Then, use katana-making techniques to create your own katana knife, guided by the master swordsmith.

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

What’s included

Each guest will receive a small knife, shipped to them two months after the experience.

Availability

Monday to Saturday

Session 1 (10:00 - 16:00)

Unavailable every Sunday and New Year Holidays

Access
30 minutes walk from Odawara station by train

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.