Sashikomi
/ˌsɑːʃiˈkoʊmi/noun
A traditional Japanese sword-polishing technique that reveals the hardened edge pattern directly without masking it beneath a contrasting polish.
Did you know?In sashikomi polishing, the hamon—the blade’s hardened edge pattern—is brought out with natural polishing stones rather than being artificially outlined, making each sword’s tempering history visible.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Japanese
Japanese
差す (sasu)
“To insert, put in, or thrust into”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
込む (komu)
“To put into, enter, or become deeply involved”
Medieval–Early Modern Japanese
Japanese
差し込み (sashikomi)
“An insertion or something put into another thing”
20th Century
Japanese
差し込み研ぎ (sashikomi-togi)
“A sword-polishing method in which the temper line is revealed directly”
Modern English
English
sashikomi
“A Japanese sword-polishing style emphasizing the blade’s naturally visible hamon”