n 1300 AD there lived a swordmaker
in Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan. His name was Masamune, and he developed a new technique for
forging swords that was to change the course of history. In Japan, a great sword is more than just a
weapon -- it has a soul. Masamune swords are made with 100-year-old temple nails and iron-sand from
a single river source 500 miles to the north. A finished sword has over one thousand layers and takes
eight days to polish. When you handle it you must wear a mask so that your breath does not damage the
finish.
