The Greatest Swordsmiths in History

What Ever Happened to Japan's Most Famous Samurai Sword?
 
Most of the time, legendary swords are the stuff of video games and fantasy novels. However, the real-world has its fair share of mysterious blades, and one of the most famous, the Japanese samurai sword known as Honjo Masamune, is now lost somewhere in America. Here’s what we know about the world’s most sought after weapon:
 
http://modernnotion.com/what-ever-happen...rai-sword/
 
Just like in music there are such classics as Bach and Beethoven, Japanese sword-making exist some names that are associated with exquisite perfection and art. Masamune is definitely one of them. His swords are famous for quality and originality and are considered as an example of that fine art of sword-making. What is most amazing is that at 13th century there weren’t any sophisticated forging tools and steel used for sword-making was as a rule impure. Nevertheless, many sword-makers today can’t compete with Masamune swords when it comes to elegance, nie (martensitic crystals in pearlite) and what’s most important – quality.
 
https://janettedillerstone.wordpress.com...s-history/
 
The Japanese sword is the soul of the Samurai. The crafting of this work of art - which embodies beauty, strength and tradition - has been shrouded in secrecy for more than thousand years.
Because of the highly advanced techniques and numerous years of dedicated effort required in crafting Japanese swords, the skill has always been a closely kept and jealously guarded secret.
 
https://youtu.be/gxwWf-MfZVk
 
https://youtu.be/gxwWf-MfZVk
 

A Step Closer to the Mysterious Origin of the Viking Sword Ulfberht
 
Ulfberht was like a Medieval luxury brand for swords—but unlike your Gucci purse, the swords were of such high quality they were almost … mystical.
 
Dozens of these swords—made with metal so strong and pure it’s baffling how any sword maker of that time could have accomplished it—have been found in Europe, along with some knock-offs. They are all marked with the Ulfberht name and two crosses, though some of the imitations are missing a letter here or there.  
 
http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts...rht-002455
 

 
Tyrfying And Gram: Two Magical Swords In Norse Mythology
 
Swords played a significant role in Norse Sages as well as in the lives of the Vikings. To give a sword a name was nothing unusual considering that they were expensive, time-consuming to produce and associated with a distinguished warrior.  One of the most famous swords is the Ulbercht sword.
 
Researchers have so far identified about 100 named swords in Norse mythology. In this article, MessageToEagle.com examines two of these magical and extraordinary swords.
 
Read more: http://www.messagetoeagle.com/tyrfying-a...mythology/