{"id":104935,"date":"2025-01-16T22:32:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T03:32:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=104935"},"modified":"2025-01-16T22:32:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T03:32:33","slug":"guide-to-shitaji-togi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/guide-to-shitaji-togi\/","title":{"rendered":"Shitaji Togi: A Guide to Foundation Polishing in Japanese Swords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#a-brief-overview-of-shitaji-togi\">Brief Overview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#tools-of-the-trade\">Tools of the Trade<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-working-position\">The Working Position<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#stages-of-shitaji-togi\">Stages of Shitaji Togi<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shitaji togi <\/em>or foundation polishing is the first of two parts in Japanese sword polishing to bring out the features in the blade\u2019s steel surface.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the other half of the process known as <em>shiage togi,<\/em> these complex stages are performed by a <em>toshigi<\/em>, a professional Japanese sword polisher.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article takes an in-depth look at foundation polishing, the tools required, and what to expect during the process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-brief-overview-of-shitaji-togi\">A Brief Overview of <em>Shitaji Togi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first half in Japanese sword polishing, there are several principles the <em>togishi<\/em> has to keep in mind during the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Great control and precision<\/strong> &#8211; This is to prevent the blade being damaged by the larger and coarser polishing stones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Awareness of blade and stone contact<\/strong> &#8211; Due to the curved blade, care is required to ensure the amount of blade that comes in contact with the stone.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blade\u2019s ridgeline<\/strong> &#8211; Special attention is needed around the ridgeline as any mistake can ruin the sword\u2019s appearance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tools-of-the-trade\">Tools of the Trade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"312\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Polishing-area-and-tools.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104942 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Polishing-area-and-tools.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Polishing-area-and-tools-740x257.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/312;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The polishing area and tools required for a togishi &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any craft, there are specific tools of the trade. Besides an area with a sloping floor and drain to allow the water to flow away from the work surface, the <em>togishi<\/em> will also require various items.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bucket of water <\/strong>&#8211; Water is a lubricant and must be constantly applied during polishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Fumaegi<\/em><\/strong> &#8211; A curved piece of wood with a hook end to clamp the polishing stone to the wood block to prevent it from moving. It also does not put too much pressure on the stones and allows them to be switched out easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Polishing Stones &#8211; <\/strong>Polishing starts with rough stones to reshape the sword or remove marks, followed by finer stones for a progressively smoother finish. While natural stones were traditionally used, synthetic stones are now effective for the initial stages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wooden work block<\/strong> &#8211; To hold and elevate the polishing stone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-working-position\">The Working Position<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"559\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Working-position-of-togishi.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104945 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 559px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 559\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Working position with right foot on a wooden block, right heel clamping on fumaegi &#8211; Credits: The Art of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <em>togishi<\/em> has to be in the correct working position. Holding the back straight, the polisher sits on a low stool with the right heel pressing down on a <em>fumaegi<\/em>. The right knee is wedged into the right shoulder while the left foot is curled beneath the body. For safety reasons, the sharpened edge always faces away from the body.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"784\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hand-positions-during-polishing.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104939 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hand-positions-during-polishing.png 784w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Hand-positions-during-polishing-740x566.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 784px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 784\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hand positions during shitaji togi &#8211; Credits: The Craft of The Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The right hand holds the sword with a rag. Meanwhile, the left palm rests on the blade\u2019s upper surface with the fingers on the lower surface. Although the fingers wrap around the blade, pressure is never directly exerted over the sharpened edge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only 4 to 5 inches (10.2 &#8211; 12.7 cm) of the blade is worked at a time as any wider would be difficult to control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working systematically, the <em>togishi<\/em> concentrates only on one surface at a time using consistent motion and pressure. This makes it easier as well as each surface is polished somewhat differently. Surfaces include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mune-parts-and-types\/\">Mune<\/a><\/em> <\/strong>&#8211; Back or the sword or spine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Shinogi-ji <\/em><\/strong>&#8211; The ridgeline to the back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Ji <\/em><\/strong><strong>&#8211;<\/strong> The edge to the ridgeline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Polishing the <em>ji<\/em> is more laborious as the goal is to bring out the texture of the steel and <em>hamon<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stages-of-shitaji-togi\">Stages of <em>Shitaji Togi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following stages are the major ones in <em>shitaji tog<\/em>i. In practice, a <em>togishi<\/em> uses many intermediate stones or stones that have only a slight variation in coarseness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that techniques may differ depending on the <em>togishi or their <\/em>school.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Polishing Stone<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Function<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Result<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><em>Arato<\/em><\/td><td>Remove file marks, sharpen edge, smooth and straighten all lines<\/td><td>Create scratches on surface without revealing any features<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Binsui<\/em><\/td><td>Distinguish new marks from preceding ones<\/td><td><em>Arato<\/em> marks are gone<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Kaisei<\/em><\/td><td>Distinguish new marks from preceding ones<\/td><td>Smoother and finer surface, <em>hamon<\/em> outline is visible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Chu nagura<\/em><\/td><td>Remove diagonal <em>kaisei<\/em> marks<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Koma nagura<\/em><\/td><td>To refine <em>chu<\/em><em>nagura<\/em> marks<\/td><td><em>Kaisei<\/em> marks are gone, <em>hamon<\/em> clearly visible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Uchigumori ha to<\/em><\/td><td>Remove marks left by the <em>nagura<\/em> stone<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Uchigumori ji to<\/em><\/td><td>Bring out the <em>jihada<\/em><\/td><td><em>Nagura<\/em> marks are gone, <em>hamon<\/em> clearly visible<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Polishing stones have different levels of coarseness or fineness, measured by <strong>grit size<\/strong>, which indicates the size of the abrasive particles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Different-polishing-stones.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104938 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Different-polishing-stones.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Different-polishing-stones-740x555.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 800px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 800\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Different polishing stones<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coarse Grit (e.g., 60-200)<\/strong>: Used for heavy work like reshaping the blade or removing marks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medium Grit (e.g., 300-800)<\/strong>: Refines the surface after coarse polishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fine Grit (e.g., 1000 and above)<\/strong>: Creates a smooth, polished finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Arato<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arato-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104949 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 690px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 690\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Moving the blade perpendicularly across the arato stone &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <em>arato<\/em> stone can be used for new swords or older swords that are very rusty or badly damaged. Made of coarse sandstone or carborundum stone, the blade is moved perpendicularly across the stone with water for lubrication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comparable Grit<\/strong> &#8211; 180<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Function<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Removes file marks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharpens the edge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smooths and straightens all lines of the edge, back, and ridge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result: <\/strong>This creates scratches on the blade\u2019s surface without revealing any features.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Binsui<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"586\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Binsui.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104937 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 586px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 586\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Binsui: The slightly diagonal marks are finer &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At this stage, the main concern is regarding the geometry and lines of the blade. Using the binsui stone,, a diagonal or lengthwise movement leaves shallower scratches compared to moving the blade perpendicularly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comparable Grit<\/strong> &#8211; 280 to 320<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Function: <\/strong>Distinguish new marks (finer) from the coarser ones (<em>arato<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result: <\/strong>Once the <em>arato<\/em> marks are gone and only the <em>binsui<\/em> ones are visible, the <em>togishi<\/em> moves on to the next stone.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">No matter what stone is used, the point of the blade is always polished across its width, not along its length. This is because the tip curves in two directions and narrows, which makes it hard to polish with large stones.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kaisei<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"588\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaisei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104940 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaisei.png 588w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaisei-70x70.png 70w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 588px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 588\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kaisei: The blade is moved at an angle against the stone and its length &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <em>kaisei<\/em> stone is used to give the steel a darker and more reflective appearance. The blade is moved at a 25 degrees angle against the stone and 20 degrees angle to its length to distinguish the new marks from those of the <em>binsui<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of this stage, the blade\u2019s surfaces and lines will have a geometry that is not changed by the succeeding stones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comparable Grit<\/strong> &#8211; 400 to 600<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Function: <\/strong>Distinguish new marks (finer) from the ones left from the <em>binsui<\/em> stone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result: <\/strong>Besides the surface becoming smoother and finer, the outline of the <em>hamon<\/em> also becomes visible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nagura<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"623\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Nagura.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104941 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 623px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 623\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Nagura: From this point on, the blade is moved across the stones along its length &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are two types of <em>nagura<\/em> stones: the coarser <em>chu nagura<\/em> and the finer <em>koma nagura<\/em>, available in natural or synthetic forms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The blade is polished by moving it along the stone lengthwise with a slight rocking motion, which applies more pressure and ensures shallower marks compared to diagonal polishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comparable Grit<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>chu nagura &#8211; <\/em>800<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>koma nagura &#8211; <\/em>1,200 to 1,500<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Function<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>chu nagura &#8211; <\/em>To remove diagonal <em>kaisei<\/em> marks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>koma nagura &#8211; <\/em>To refine <em>chu nagura<\/em> marks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result<\/strong>: <em>Kaisei<\/em> marks are gone and <em>hamon<\/em> is usually clearly visible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uchigumori<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"635\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Uchigumori.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104944 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 635px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 635\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Uchigumori polishing pulled lengthwise &#8211; Credits: The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At this stage, only natural stones are used. The <em>togishi<\/em> must inspect the stones for defects that can scratch the blade. While the blade was pushed across the stone previously, in this stage, it is pulled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two types: <em>uchigumori ha to <\/em>and <em>uchigumori ji to. <\/em>Much finer than <em>nagura<\/em> stones, their specific grit depends on the sword being polished based on their shape, tightness of their welds, and carbon content.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, a <em>togishi<\/em> tends to have several grades of <em>uchigumori<\/em>. Choosing which one to use all depends on their experience and vision of the blade\u2019s final appearance. The blade is moved lengthwise without the rocking motion to prevent scratches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Comparable Grit<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>uchigumori ha to &#8211; <\/em>3,000 or more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>uchigumori ji to &#8211; <\/em>3,000 or more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Function<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>uchigumori ha to &#8211; <\/em>Used on all surfaces to remove marks left by the nagura stone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>uchigumori ji to &#8211; <\/em>Only used on the edge and sides to bring out the <em>jihada<\/em> above the <em>hamon.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result<\/strong>: The marks from the <em>nagura<\/em> stone are gone, <em>hamon<\/em> is now clearly visible, and the blade is ready for <em>shiage togi.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp L, Kapp H, Yoshihara Y. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+craft+of+the+Japanese+sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAoLXc6PuKAxUidfUHHQ6oMs4Q6AF6BAgKEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The craft of the Japanese sword<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International Ltd. 1987; pages 103 &#8211; 128.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp L, Kapp H, Yoshihara Y. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+art+of+the+Japanese+sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLkbvk6PuKAxVch68BHdwMJaIQ6AF6BAgMEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The art of the Japanese sword<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing. 2012; pages 209 &#8211; 225.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shitaji togi or foundation polishing is the first of two parts in Japanese sword polishing to bring out the features in the blade\u2019s steel surface.&nbsp; With the other half of the process known as shiage togi, these complex stages are performed by a toshigi, a professional Japanese sword polisher.&nbsp; This article takes an in-depth look&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":104943,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104935"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104935\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104987,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104935\/revisions\/104987"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}