Kantsuki

Kantsuki is a term that refers to a specific type of traditional Japanese sword polish or a style of sword polishing. The word itself can be translated as "seeing the moon," suggesting a high level of clarity and luminosity achieved in the polish. This meticulous process aims to bring out the inherent beauty of the steel, highlighting the hamon (temper line) and the hada (grain pattern) of the blade.

The Kantsuki polish is characterized by its extreme smoothness and the way it reflects light, often described as being able to see one's reflection clearly in the polished surface. Achieving this requires a lengthy and skilled application of progressively finer polishing stones, often starting with coarse stones and moving to extremely fine natural stones. The polisher, known as a togishi, carefully works the steel to reveal its intricate crystalline structure.

While the term can refer to the finished product of such a polish, it is also used to describe the process itself. A Kantsuki polish is considered one of the highest forms of sword polishing, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its aesthetic qualities and the way it enhances the appreciation of a well-made Japanese sword. It is a labor-intensive technique that demands exceptional skill and patience.