Eight Roads
The eight roads are important when discussing or doing kantei in Japan. Sword schools were designated along these roads. Some of the characteristics in swords were similar by different schools, as they may have shared techniques or even regional iron, as they were in similar proximity along these roads. In assessing a sword you may be instructed to look to a different road, which would indicate you are not in the proper school (Also meaning that you should not look to other schools on the same road)
Jidai (Era) / Sugata (Shape)
Sugata / Shape is important as it will indicate the most likely era from which the sword comes. The above chart shows (Ubu – Unshortened swords) Oldest on the right to newer items on the left. Shape is important inn assessing swords, as it gives you a good indication on how old a sword may be.
Keijo – Shape of sword
Tsukurikomi
Tsukuri-komi is a three-dimensional expression of the structure of a sword. There are various types such as Hira-zukuri (flat), Shinogi-zukuri (curved blade with Yokote and a ridge), Kiriha-zukuri (cutting edge), and Moroha-zukuri (double-edged).
Traditions
Gokaden
Yamashiro
Yamato
Bizen
Soshu
Mino
Other
Shinto
Shinshinto
Majiwarimono
Schools
Jigane
Hamon
Utsuri
