This guy is known for making some serious head choppers. Artisans like Korehira Watanabe are fading into history, as their creations are no longer in demand and the inherent secrecy of their craft makes passing on the legacy virtually impossible. Watch this master in action and see the skills that may someday be lost to antiquity.
--via BuzzFeed
It's more that it's a boutique industry, and the swords of a master swordmaker cost more than a good car.
If there are 30 master swordmakers out there making $10K and up swords, that seems like a healthy market to me. How many people are making authentic English longbows any more?