Engraving on Japanese swords
Sword engraving: between tradition and modernity, the art of marking steel
Since ancient times, the Japanese sword has carried within it far more than a simple martial function. It is the extension of the soul, the silent witness of a personal journey, a story, a commitment. Engraving a katana means inscribing in the steel a part of oneself or of another. It is refusing the anonymity of the object to give it an identity.
The heritage of horimonos: when steel becomes a symbol
Modern engraving: precision in the service of uniqueness
The heritage of horimonos: when steel becomes a symbol
In the tradition of Japanese swordsmiths, some swords bore what are called horimonos, delicate hand-made engravings, symbols or natural representations: undulating dragons, Buddhist inscriptions, elements, cosmic emblems.
These ornaments were not purely decorative. They carried meaning, intention. The sword became a carrier of spirituality, protection, or inner strength.
These engravings were most often placed on the omote side, the visible side of the sword worn at the belt, symbolizing what is offered to the world.
The ura side, more discreet, kept the secrets: first names, hidden messages, intimate wishes.
Today, thanks to laser engraving techniques, it is possible to reproduce this spirit of personalization with remarkable precision.
In partnership with Monin Gravure Bourges , Katanas-Samurai has its own engraving workshop integrated into its facilities.
This allows us to offer a fast customization service, without impacting delivery times.
The workshop offers two types of engraving, depending on the desired effect: A black engraving: sharp, contrasting, perfectly legible on light or satin surfaces.
A white or “diamond” engraving: more discreet, ideal for dark or polished finishes. Each engraving is carried out with care and precision, based on your instructions: a name, a date, a quote, a symbol... everything is possible.
Why personalize your sword?
An engraved katana is not just a beautiful object: it’s a sword that tells a story. Giving or offering yourself a personalized sword means giving meaning to the steel. It’s about engraving a memory, an intention, a connection. It’s also, in a more practical way, an effective way to identify a sword in case of loss or theft. In martial practice, an engraved sword allows you to recognize it immediately among others. As a gift, it becomes a memory object, at once beautiful, useful, and deeply personal.
Ura ou omote : which side to choose?
The choice between engraving the omote side (visible when the sword is traditionally worn, with the blade facing up in the belt) or the ura side (hidden) depends on how you intend to use the sword.
For an aesthetic or symbolic engraving meant for the public eye, omote is the natural choice.
For a more intimate inscription, intended to be seen only by the owner, ura is more appropriate.
Our team can advise you on which side to engrave, depending on your intention and the model chosen. By default, we engrave on the “Omote” side.
A unique blade, marked by you
Engraving a katana means rejecting the standard.
It’s transforming a weapon, an object, a memory into a lasting witness.
It’s a personal, profound, and symbolic gesture. Whether it’s for practice, collection, display, or offering, a personalized katana carries within it another dimension: the story you engrave into it.
