What is Shinogi-zukuri in Japanese Katana terminology?

"""Shinogi-zukuri"" (鎬造り) refers to a type of sword construction where a ridge line, or ""Shinogi"" (鎬), runs along the length of the blade on both sides. This is the most common form of Japanese sword, hence it is also referred to as ""Hon-zukuri"" (本造).

The distinctive features of Shinogi-zukuri are the presence of a ""Shinogi-suji"" (鎬筋) and a ""Yokote-suji"" (横手筋).

""Shinogi-suji"" refers to the line of the Shinogi that extends from the ""Mune-machi"" (the notch on the back of the blade where the tang begins) to the ""Kissaki"" (the point of the sword).

""Yokote-suji"", on the other hand, is the line that extends from the edge near the Kissaki to the Shinogi-suji.

This construction method strengthens the blade and prevents it from breaking, making it ideal for the rigorous demands of samurai warfare. The Shinogi-zukuri design also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the sword, with the Shinogi-suji and Yokote-suji creating a distinctive pattern on the blade."