11-09-2019, 12:37 AM
Mr. Steve! Good to see you back again. I’ve missed your commentary and especially your sense of humor which often gave me a chuckle. 
Anyway, I agree that the myth is explained when you say, “some exceptional (for the time) blades and craftsmen”, with “for the time” being the major consideration. Obviously there was amazing craftsmanship (for the time), but as far as the steel quality goes I too doubt it can compare to modern day steel.
The thing that I don’t understand is the mysticism surrounding knives and sharpening. Why does this continue to exist?
I know it will never happen and nobody with an original Zen master sharpened ancient sword would ever do it, but I’d love to have one sent to EOU for testing. Sadly, I suspect a lot of the magic and mysticism would be lost.
That said, I’m sure the magic and mysticism would survive. Apparently it’s unassailable in this industry. For whatever reason people just want to believe it.
Anyway, I agree that the myth is explained when you say, “some exceptional (for the time) blades and craftsmen”, with “for the time” being the major consideration. Obviously there was amazing craftsmanship (for the time), but as far as the steel quality goes I too doubt it can compare to modern day steel.
The thing that I don’t understand is the mysticism surrounding knives and sharpening. Why does this continue to exist?
I know it will never happen and nobody with an original Zen master sharpened ancient sword would ever do it, but I’d love to have one sent to EOU for testing. Sadly, I suspect a lot of the magic and mysticism would be lost.
That said, I’m sure the magic and mysticism would survive. Apparently it’s unassailable in this industry. For whatever reason people just want to believe it.