There something so...elemental about a fine blade. Simplicity and complexity coexisting harmoniously. And even more impressive are the results obtained by the folks who still do everything by hand (sadly there are darned few of 'em).
Of course Alf will win the nihonto contest with both hands and one leg tied behind his back. And blindfolded.
Nevertheless I'm rather fond of my dojo sword. Forged, polished, and fitted (aka sole authorship) by another friend:
Clearly time to have the tsukamaki redone. Something I've been holding off doing as I can't really bear to send her out.