Japanese

Definition

Similar to sunagashi, but with thinner lines resembling brush strokes.

An example of hakikake can be seen here: Hataraki @ NihontoCraft.com.

Japanese

Definition

An activity which resembles sweeping sands (lit. 'flowing sand'). Usually appears inside the hamon parallel to the cutting edge.

An example of sunagashi can be seen here.

Japanese

Definition

Small ashi.

An example of ko-ashi can be seen here.

Japanese

Definition

Literally 'legs', usually made of nioi, which extend from the hamon to the cutting edge.

There's been an opinion that ashi was developed consisting of softer steel within the yakiba to localize the breaks and prevent the blade to be broken in half. When stress is applied to a section of the blade, the blade would chip at the harder areas because the ashi around it would absorb the stress.

An example of ashi can be seen here: Hataraki @ NihontoCraft.com.

Types of ashi

ko-ashi - small ashi.
nezumi ashi - 'Rat's feet'. Small numerous ashi.
choji ashi - clove-shaped ashi.
gunome ashi - zigzag-shaped ashi.
saka ashi - slanted ashi.