This project looks at the weaponry of Samurai men and women over the centuries with specifically commissioned photography of reenactors wearing and museum-quality clothing and weaponry.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• GLOSSARY
• SECTION ONE
• The Rise and Fall of the Samurai
• Development of the Japanese Sword
• Historical Background to Hizen-to
• SECTION TWO
• The Modern Japanese Sword
• Japanese Polearms
• Swords: Types, Construction, and Testing
• SECTION THREE
• The Etiquette and Customs for Sword Appreciation and Viewing
• Collecting and Studying Japanese Swords
• Preservation, Shinsa, Polishing
• APPENDIX
• Transliterations: Periods, Provinces, Swordsmiths’ Names