The process of making traditional Tamahagane steel, which is used in the production of Japanese swords, is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. The entire process can take several days or even weeks to complete. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Material Preparation: The process begins with the selection of iron sand, called satetsu, and charcoal. The iron sand is smelted to extract iron ore, and the charcoal serves as a fuel source.
2. Smelting: The smelting process takes place in a traditional clay furnace called a Tatara. The iron ore and charcoal are layered inside the Tatara and ignited. The furnace is continuously monitored and maintained for several days to achieve the desired results.
3. Consolidation: After the smelting process, the resulting bloom of raw steel is extracted from the Tatara. The bloom is broken into smaller pieces and consolidated.
4. Shingling and Reheating: The consolidated steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and folded to remove impurities and evenly distribute carbon content throughout the material. This process, known as shingling, is performed multiple times, and each cycle can take several hours.
5. Refining and Shaping: The refined steel is further shaped and worked by a skilled swordsmith. The steel is heated, hammered, and forged into the desired shape of the sword.
6. Heat Treatment: Once the blade shape is achieved, the sword is subjected to a specific heat treatment process. This includes heating the blade to a critical temperature and then rapidly cooling it to create the desired hardness and edge retention.

Overall, the process of making Tamahagane steel is intricate and time-consuming, involving a combination of smelting, hammering, folding, and heat treatment techniques. It requires the expertise and experience of skilled craftsmen. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific techniques used, the size of the Tatara furnace, and other factors.