Periods

794–1185

Emergence of the curved tachi for mounted warriors.

1185–1333

The golden age — graceful tachi with itame hada and nie-laden hamon.

1333–1392

Extended blades, dynamic ōsuriage, bold experimentation.

1336–1573

Proliferation of uchigatana; regional schools flourish.

1467–1615

Mass production meets refinement — practical blades for constant war.

1596–1780

New swords — Edo-period revival of classic forms with technical mastery.

1781–1876

Neo-classical renaissance; Suishinshi Masahide's restoration movement.

1876–present

Modern forging traditions honoring ancient methods.