As we approach the finish line of the Wakizashi project, we reach one of the final steps – the ‘Mei.’
This is the traditional chiseled inscription found on the Nakago (tang) of Japanese swords.
To create this Mei, I forged a simple chisel from a piece of spring steel.
The text engraved on this blade conveys essential information: the year, my name and the place where this Wakizashi was crafted, Italy.
Special thanks to Kurt Matsuda for assisting with the translation of this inscription.
Only a few final steps remain, including wrapping the sageo (cord) around the saya and crafting astand for my Wakizashi and the original piece I attempted to replicate. Stay tuned, as the reveal is just around the corner!