THE TECHNIQUE USED TO FORGE THESE RINGS

IS BORROWED FROM

THE ANCIENT SWORDSMITHS OF JAPAN.

A BLADE MUST BE MADE OF HIGH CARBON STEEL

TO HOLD A KEEN EDGE

BUT A BLADE MUST ALSO BE SOMEWHAT FLEXIBLE

OR IT MAY SHATTER IN COMBAT.

THIS REQUIRES MILDER STEEL.

A TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SWORD

IS MADE OF BOTH METALS.

TWO DISSIMILAR STEEL BLANKS

ARE FORGED INTO THE RAW BLADE,

WHICH IS REPEATEDLY FOLDED IN HALF

AND THEN POUNDED OUT TO ITS TRUE LENGTH

UNTIL PERFECT.

THIS TAKES MUCH MORE THAN FOUR DAYS

WITH LITTLE FOOD OR SLEEP.