Shogun Ryü Tatsu (Dragon) Katana, 1095 Steel, with Cleaning Kit

Sharp Samurai Katana Dragon High Carbon Steel with Cleaning Kit

Masterful Blade and Antique Fittings

This katana is hand-forged and ground by experienced smiths. The 1095 high carbon steel blade is tempered using the traditional clay-coating method. The result of this differential hardening is a remarkable edge hardness (Ha) of 56-58 HRC, which guarantees excellent cutting performance. The spine of the blade (Mune), on the other hand, retains a lower hardness of 45-48 HRC, which gives the sword the necessary flexibility and resistance to breaking upon impact. The authentic temper line (hamon) is clearly visible on the blade.

The decoration, or Koshirae, is brought to perfection on this model. All metal accessories are cast from brass and are given a beautiful antique patina. The guard (tsuba), handle collar (fuchi), and pommel (kashira) bear detailed reliefs of Japanese dragons. The handle (tsuka) consists of a solid wooden core, which is covered with real ray skin (samegawa) and precisely wrapped with a black cotton cord (tsuka-ito). The blade is protected in a glossy, black lacquered wooden scabbard (saya) complete with a traditional sageo wrapping.

Safety and Practical Use

Please keep in mind that this is a fully functional and extremely sharp weapon, not a toy or a blunt prop. The blade is honed to razor sharpness and careless handling can cause fatal injuries. The use of the sword is entirely at your own risk.

This katana is ideal for collecting purposes, practicing traditional forms (kata), and performing cutting tests (tameshigiri) on suitable soft targets, such as soaked tatami omote mats. The weapon is absolutely not intended for contact fencing against another weapon, buhurt, stage combat, or LARP. Although the differentially hardened blade has a hard edge, it could be irreversibly chipped if it clashes with another steel sword.

Care for Carbon Steel

To ensure that the katana serves you for many years and always looks like new, regular maintenance is required. The 1095 carbon steel is not rust-proof and would easily succumb to corrosion without treatment. For your convenience, a luxurious cleaning kit in a wooden box is included with the sword. After each use (even after merely touching it with bare hands), it is essential to carefully clean the blade with rice paper (nugui-gami), lightly dust it with powder (uchiko) to bind dirt residues, and, after wiping it off, apply a fresh, thin layer of clove oil (choji). The kit also includes a brass hammer (mekugi-nuki) designed to carefully knock out the bamboo pegs during a complete disassembly of the sword.

Technical Parameters of the Katana

To accompany this beautiful piece, we recommend you also purchase a suitable wooden stand (kake) for a dignified display at your home, and replacement mats for cutting practice.