The traditional katana sword is fashioned only from the purest steel, which the Japanese call tamahagane ("jewel steel"). Over three days and three nights, smelters using ancient techniques shovel ...

Though their meticulously crafted battle armor and elaborate helmets shaped into utterly frightening countenances could fill the hearts of any foe with terror, Japan's famous samurai warriors also had ...

Few weapons achieve iconic status, but the samurai sword would definitely belong at the top of that short list. Samurai Sword: Making of a Legend examines the weapon's rich history, painstakingly ...