The Haja-no-Ontachi, a remarkable sword believed to have been forged during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), is housed at the Isonokami Shrine in Nara.
Known as the “Demon-Quelling Great Sword,” it measures approximately 15 feet (465 cm) in length and weighs around 165 pounds (75 kg), making it one of the largest swords ever created in Japan.
It is a mini replica sword that has been elaborately and faithfully reproduced on a scale of about 1/6 by converting the referencing sword materials of the famous swords and Sengoku warlords’ favored swords that remain in history into data.
In Japan, the sword (刀剣 / token) generally refers to “only the blade” (excluding the handle and scabbard).
Niigata Precision Co., Ltd., which was engaged in precision metal processing, has created a miniature Japanese sword by making the best use of its high technology.
The blade is machined from hardened stainless steel that has been heated at high temperature to increase its hardness.
Each referencing sword material is imported into CAD, converted into data, and carved out in a few days at the machining center.
Using a machine tool that processes in micron (0.001 mm) units, the shape, the warpage, the temper pattern, the inscription, etc. are faithfully reproduced.
By slightly scraping the entire blade part, the shape of the sword is created such that the temper pattern is embossed.
Although it is not coated, it can be decorated all year round thanks to materials and processing methods that are resistant to rust.