Forged from ancient metal ore. 
Heated until bright and glowing. 
Pounded smooth, then pounded more
by hammer's ebb and flowing. 

Crafted steel of many folds;
An ancient knowledge skillful. 
Dipped in water; steam and cold. 
Honed by souls most willful. 

Strength may bend but wisdom shapes. 
Balance and weight so crucial. 
Experience knows the time it takes. 
Patience the skill most useful. 

Sharpened with a whetstone's sighs. 
Back and forth rough hands flowing. 
Sunlight's gleam in blade and eye
poetry to all those knowing.