h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The clay mixture which was painted onto the blade before the final forging step was made up of more than just clay. I am not sure what the Japanese swordsmiths called this mixture, but i have feard it referred to as 'slurry' by Modern researchers of Japanese history. It was mainly consisted of clay and water, with a measure of ash and sand added as well, as well as a variety of other substances, depending on the preferences of the smith. I have also heard, that during this era, criminals who were on the run from the authorities, if capture seemed imminent, would force themselves to swallow several rocks (preferably river rocks, i would imagine!), and then allow themselves to be captured. This way, if a test cut was performed on them, there was a good chance the rocks he had swallowed would inflict permanent damage on the new blade, a twisted way of having the last laugh.
Shaitan, Father of all Vampires,
First Lord of the Wamphyri