Light VS Nihonto

[klee]

Been a photographer for 10 years and only recently tried to take pictures of Nihonto for Lloyd Flemmings book.

 

I think this is one of if not the most extreem case of how light affects what gets captured. 

 

White LED vs plain incandescant bulb

 

Same blade, about the the same spot, about the same light position and brightness. No enhancement or sharpening

 

LED seems to hide much of the ko hada present. This is also very noticable on hand as well.

 

 

[Tohagi]

Very impressive !

 

I'd used an old halogene spot in a black box to have a "out from shadow" effect, but it only gives close up's details...

 

Best,

 

Eric

[Jussi Ekholm]

That is very nice comparison. 

 

As I am quite clueless when it comes to photography it feels like very large difference by just different type of light.

 

To me both pictures look really good even though the result is different.

[klee]

Thank you @Jussi Ekholm !

 

I am unfamiliar with the science part of it myself but it seems a regular incandescent will show every small hada honestly while LED hides most of it.

 

There are parts in some of my swords that almost looks muji under LED while incandescent will show a very clear itame hada.

 

LED does however excell in showing hardening and hamon hataraki. Especially, utsuri can be seen very easily angling it with LED while it s almost impossible with incandescent.

 

Love to test out other lightsources but I ve noticed that natural sunlight gives very pleasing results

[Rivkin]

I don't think its LED per se, its the size and relative brightness and directiness of light source.

As some know, I use very long (seconds) shutter times and "paint" in real life the blade with light, sometimes with different light sources. If you want something generic I would use very wide LED lightstick and hold close to blade's surface. That sort of works for all. For some Soshu to bring up nioi-guchi and nie I use on the contrary portable LED flashlight. It brings up detail much better.

 

What's the blade? Naminohira?

Edited December 12, 2025 by Rivkin

[klee]

Great to know @Rivkin !

 

I will try some long exposure next time.

 

The blade is the signed Moritaka ( kongo hyoe ) from the other post.

 

 

[klee]

Just like when photographing people, it s very hard to beat a good natural light on and overcast day 

[CSM101]

Kongobei - Studio light

[Tohagi]

Realy, realy beautyfull !

I love it !