The title of the next RJ Book should be the Japanese word:

"HAMON"

Here is a portion of a transcript of an excellent episode of Nova
(all about how traditional samurai swords are made) which I
watched last night on PBS:

"It is only through his intensive polishing that the full beauty of
the sword is achieved and a hidden beauty is revealed. Just before
quenching, clay was painted onto the blade. Only now can the full
effect of this be seen. Embedded in the steel is a visible line called
the "HAMON." This wavy line is considered a great art form and is
created by the skillful manipulation of the steel's inner structure."


A lot of subtle "double-meanings" in that explanation, eh?

Mike

A lot of subtle "double-meanings" in that explanation, eh?

[SIZE="3"]Indeed there are, but I doubt it would fly with the sales force. The most we can hope for in the foreign word category is Katana.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="3"]Indeed there are, but I doubt it would fly with the sales force. The most we can hope for in the foreign word category is Katana.[/SIZE]

So they want to "dumb it down" for the masses???

So they want to "dumb it down" for the masses???

[SIZE="3"]A title has to spark something -- an emotion, an image, some sort of response other than confusion. Hamon is meaningless to 99.9% of the English-speaking population. And that's okay if you've you a cool-sounding word like Shibumi or something easily apprehended like Shogun. Hamon is a great title for those who know Japanese swordcraft, but sparks thoughts of breakfast in those who don't. [/SIZE]

[SIZE="3"]A title has to spark something -- an emotion, an image, some sort of response other than confusion. Hamon is meaningless to 99.9% of the English-speaking population. And that's okay if you've you a cool-sounding word like Shibumi or something easily apprehended like Shogun. Hamon is a great title for those who know Japanese swordcraft, but sparks thoughts of breakfast in those who don't. [/SIZE]

Makes me think of Eddie Murphy in 48 Hours. "There's a new sheriff in town and his name is Reggie Hamon!"

[SIZE="3"]A title has to spark something -- an emotion, an image, some sort of response other than confusion. Hamon is meaningless to 99.9% of the English-speaking population. And that's okay if you've you a cool-sounding word like Shibumi or something easily apprehended like Shogun. Hamon is a great title for those who know Japanese swordcraft, but sparks thoughts of breakfast in those who don't. [/SIZE]

Reminds me of Weird Al's FAT. "Ham on whole wheat, all right!"

Well, there are too many posts for me to read them all, and I really think that Cutting Edge goes well with the other titles, except that it is two words. My mediocre suggestion is "The Last Samarai" which may or may not have already been mentioned.

I didn't read the whole thread either but I have a couple of suggestions even though I think Cutting Edge is a good title too.

Cutting The Past
Sharp Memory
Past Point

Cutting Edge is definitely better, but just a few ideas.

My mediocre suggestion is "The Last Samarai" which may or may not have already been mentioned.

And my doubly mediocre suggestion is "The Last Ronin" ...

Yah. I know. "Much" too obvious... :o

"The Hilt's Edge"