There are many traditional techniques of swordsmithing that are particular to both region and era. The above video is an example of the techniques used and process to make these works of art and unrivaled weapons. The following highlights a few of the processes that are distinctively Japanese that give their unique blades strength and beauty (Tilden 1904) (The Japanese Sword 1906):

• The skill of selecting the most pure pieces of iron in multiple stages of forging
• Iron Sand is smelted over relatively lower temperatures to maintain purity and high-carbon
• The use of rice straw ashes, wet Japanese paper, and a clay slurry in order to limit the loss of carbon to the surface 
• Japanese swords have a softer core (shingane) and a harder exterior (Kawagane)
• The curve of the blade is adjustable and reflects the smith's design and purpose of the weapon
• The communication between master and apprentice through rhythmic tapping
• The components and mixtures that make unique clay in forming the hamon and hardening of the blade
• The making of the hamon is particularly Japanese as different designs emphasize skill, identity, and personality

The making of the blade is obviously the core of the symbolic beauty of Japan and its folklore, however it doesn't tell the whole story: as much of the artistry is emphasized in the fittings and ornaments that accompany a sword. These often identify the region and era of a sword, not only in the materials and techniques used but in the subject matter of their design. The hand guards (examples depicted below) often represent the culture with subject matter relative to the region like local flora or animals, depictions of gods and goddesses, historical heroes and events of significance, or common folk stories (Gunsaulus 1924). It is typical that a sword owner would have multiple fittings for a single sword each with purpose for the occasion. Some fittings and ornaments are suited for ceremony, others for battle, and others for more casual occasions: as if the sword was person and its fittings were his clothes.  

The process of judging a sword is an artform in itself. There is emphasis on era and province of the sword as well as the swordsmith or lineage. Aspects of the swords curvature, shine, and tip that give the blade its beauty are up for judgment (Mumford 1905). As most ancient swords are judged on those basic elements, modern judgement is more technical. The sword's composition and purity of iron is what sets Japanese swords apart from the rest. Further, the ability of a modern swordsmith to replicate either damaged or worn relics of the ancient world lend to the swordsmith's mastery. Unique and intricate hamons are indications of superior artistry and the blades structure that comes from folding iron over itself multiple times.