amazing video from Japan - shows a master smith quenching a katana blade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ure=player_embedded#

I never knew that the bend occurs as a result of differential tension in the blade during quench...

Wow that's cool. I've studied Japanese sword arts and katanas in general for the last 11 years, and I had no clue either. Thanks for sharing.

That was very interesting. Thanks!

Nova did a great show called "Secrets of the samurai sword" that goes into detail on how they are made. They started with smelting the steel and end with a Japanese family who have been mastering martial arts for generations. I liked the show so much I bought a copy of the DVD. The book "The craft of the Japanese sword" is worth getting too.

Bill

Yeah that Nova show is really good. I think I've seen it on Youtube before if you get some free time guys.