"袋丁子" (Fukuro Choji)

What is Fukuro Choji in Japanese Katana terminology?

Fukuro Choji refers to a type of blade pattern (Hamon) in Japanese swords. The name comes from the shape of the pattern, which resembles a drawstring bag (Fukuro), with a large, rounded head and a narrowed waist. This pattern is characteristic of the "福岡一文字派" (Fukuoka Ichimonji School), but it can also be seen frequently in the works of swordsmiths from the Bizen tradition during the Shinto period. The Bizen tradition is known for its distinctive tempering techniques, and Fukuro Chouji is one of its most iconic blade pattern (Hamon)s.