The blades of Japanese swords are single-edged and curved. This is because they have been designed to be used for slashing, rather than thrusting. The tang, called the NAKAGO, has a hole for rivet and also place for the inscription of the name of the swordsmith. The HAMON, or temper patterns of the blades, which bring to mind white waves or clouds, from one of the most noteworthy features of the Japanese sword maker's art.(佐野美術館パンフ参照)