The year · 2026

Twenty-four blades

Each long sword is quenched during one of the 24 solar terms and takes its name. Sixteen are made. The other eight wait for their term.

Hamon

Bizen smiths are known for chōji, a hamon like a row of cloves, so most of the year is chōji.

Next · this term’s blade

秋分 Shūbun, blade 16Quenched on 23 September, now with the polisher. Chōji hamon, itame grain.