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Crafting a traditional Japanese katana is a highly specialized and intricate process that requires skill, precision, and adherence to centuries-old techniques. Here is a simplified overview of the traditional process of making a ​samurai sword​:

1. **Materials Selection:**

   - **Steel:** The blade of a katana is typically made from tamahagane, a type of steel produced from iron sand using traditional Japanese smelting techniques.

   - **Clay and Water:** Clay is used during the heat treatment process to create the hamon (temper line) on the blade.

2. **Smelting:**

   - The tamahagane is smelted in a tatara furnace, a traditional Japanese smelting furnace. This process is crucial as it determines the quality and characteristics of the steel.

3. **Forging:**

   - The smelted steel is then forged by a skilled blacksmith. The process involves repeatedly heating, folding, and hammering the steel to remove impurities and create a blade with a layered structure.

4. **Shaping:**

   - The rough shape of the blade is created during the forging process. The tang (nakago) and the bevels of the blade are also formed at this stage.

5. **Hamon Creation:**

   - Clay is applied to the blade before it is heated. The differential hardening process involves heating the blade and then quenching it in water. The clay controls the rate of cooling, creating the hamon—a visible temper line on the blade.

6. **Polishing:**

   - The blade is then polished to reveal its true beauty. This is a meticulous process that involves using various grades of stones to achieve a razor-sharp edge and a mirror-like finish.

7. **Mounting (Koshirae):**

   - The blade is then mounted in a traditional hilt (tsuka) and scabbard (saya). The handle is typically wrapped in silk or cotton cord.

8. **Fittings (Tsuba, Fuchi, Kashira):**

   - The swordsmith or a specialist creates or selects fittings such as the handguard (tsuba), collar (fuchi), and pommel (kashira) to complement the overall design.

9. **Final Inspection:**

   - The finished katana undergoes a final inspection to ensure that it meets the required standards for sharpness, balance, and overall quality.

It's important to note that the process of making a katana is a true art form, and each sword is unique. Master swordsmiths often spend years perfecting their craft and may follow variations of these steps based on their individual techniques and styles. Additionally, modern katana production may involve some contemporary materials and techniques, but the essence of traditional craftsmanship is still maintained.