Samurai Sword: A Handbook [Hardcover]

John M. Yumoto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1989

The samurai sword: symbol of the spirit of old Japan it embodies the samurai's steely discipline, unswerving devotion, and peerless skill. A feat of craftsmanship by hereditary artisans, the samurai sword is often judged superior to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. This complete handbook reveals the lore of the samurai sword, fascinating both for owners and for the intrigued. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword, its historical background, styles, famous schools, and differences in construction, outlining methods of identifying and researching the sword, as well as caring for it properly.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author, John M. Yumoto, is perhaps the foremost authority on the samurai sword outside of Japan. A native of California, he began his study of Japanese swordcraft during his early childhood in Japan. While in Japan he studied under a number of masters from different schools and learned the art of sword polishing and of identification and evaluation. He has held membership in a number of sword clubs and at present is an active member of the Japan Society for the Preservation of the Samurai Sword and the Northern California Sword Club.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (December 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804805091
• ISBN-13: 978-0804805094
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #700,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat dry in presentation..., August 13, 2002

By 

Yuri Kuzyk (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai Sword: A Handbook (Hardcover)

This is a fairly serious overview of Samurai swords intended for someone who is interested in collecting them (or perhaps has inherited one). That is, this is quite a 'theoretical' book intended to convey, in a quite concise manner, the myriad of details needed to identify Samurai swords.

The book goes through a very brief overview of Japan's sword history including some very rough information on the swords produced in various time periods. Mixed in here is a tiny amount of non-technical information in the form of some tales of how the special clay-coating heat-treating process was invented.

The book then presents detailed information on such subjects as blade curvature, temper lines, tip profile, tang markings and finishing. This section has a number of line drawings that do help convey the information in a clear and simple manner.

This leads into a very in-depth section with the Japanese characters that could be found on a sword tang. This section is quite long and, considering the book's purpose, not really very useful to the majority of people. That is, without understanding Japanese you really aren't likely to be able to use this section - it would be much better to consult with someone who does understand Japanese.

I really had hoped for more of an overview of the history with some details on the more famous crafters. There is also very little information on the manufacturing process other than some very cursory paragraphs and drawings. I agree that this subject deserves many books but I also think that since it is not really highlighted in this volume, a beginner will have no real reason to understand WHY certain eras and smiths were regarded so highly. That is, without more background on the process one is left asking the question "what is wrong with a stainless-steel blade?".

One for the serious collector but you will definitely need other books on the subject to really get an appreciation of the remarkable nature of the Samurai sword.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Definitive" guide to the Samurai Sword, January 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Samurai Sword: A Handbook (Hardcover)

I was once told "If you are interested in buying a real samurai sword buy this book read it once and then read it again and again." There is probably no other book, in english, that has as much info on antique samurai blades as this book. A must for anyone interested in sword collecting or even a serious martial artist.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer for the beginning collector., October 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Samurai Sword: A Handbook (Hardcover)

Yumoto's work was one of my first books on Japanese swords. Over twenty years later I still refer to it as a quick reference. While not a comprehensive reference it is nonetheless broad and nothing short of expert on the subject. Compared to more voluminous references, it is easily taken on the road while in search of these evasive art treasures.