Who is Norihiro Miyairi, the Sabre Expert?

This is the story of the student who surpassed his master. If you’ve ever wondered why Norihiro Miyari revolutionised the art of knives in Japan, then the response is quite simple, he reworked the codes of knowledge inherited through years of ancestry. The blacksmith trained under Masamine Sumitani, a legend within his field, developing techniques and honing his touch. He subsequently went on to win the Masamune prize in 2010, the highest distinction one can achieve within the profession.

Considered as one of the most important masters of the trade still active today, he has most notably been entrusted with the restoration of the Shosoin collection, the treasure house of the Todai-ji temple in Nara. It is worth noting also the Japanese sword was thought to be the ‘soul of the Samourai’ however today it is forbidden to be in possession of one without special authorisation, yet there continue to be three-hundred-fifty active blacksmiths in Japan today.