Shogun Dragon Motif Katana, 1095 Steel, with Cleaning Kit

Sharp Samurai Katana Dragon Flower High Carbon Steel

Masterful Blade and Antique Fittings

This blade is hand-forged and carefully ground according to methods rooted in the ancient Chinese city of Longquan, famous for the production of bladed weapons for over two millennia. The 1095 high carbon steel used is tempered by applying a layer of clay. This process creates what is known as differential hardening. While the edge (Ha) reaches a formidable hardness of 56-58 HRC for maximum sharpness and edge retention, the spine (Mune) maintains a hardness of 45-48 HRC, ensuring the flexibility and resistance of the blade against snapping. As a result, a beautiful and authentic temper line (hamon) is clearly visible on the steel.

The decoration (Koshirae) is executed with the utmost attention to detail. All metal elements are cast from brass and given an impressive antique patina. The guard (tsuba), handle collar (fuchi), and pommel (kashira) bear precise reliefs of dragons and flowers. In Asian mythology, these symbolize immense strength, wisdom, and the fleeting beauty of a warrior. The solid wooden core of the handle (tsuka) is covered with genuine ray skin (samegawa) and traditionally wrapped with a brown cotton cord (tsuka-ito). The weapon is sheathed in a matte black wooden scabbard (saya), decorated with subtle glossy raindrop details and a brown sageo cord.

Principles of Safe Use

We strongly emphasize that this is a fully functional and extremely sharp weapon. The blade is honed to razor sharpness and can cause fatal injuries if handled carelessly. The use of the weapon is entirely at your own risk and it does not belong in the hands of children.

The sword is ideal for collection purposes, the practice of traditional forms (kata), and performing cutting tests (tameshigiri) on soft targets, such as soaked tatami mats. The weapon is under no circumstances intended for contact fencing against other blades, buhurt, LARP, or stage combat. The differentially hardened edge is brittle and could chip if it clashes with other steel.

Care of Carbon Steel

To preserve its flawless beauty and prevent corrosion, the sword requires regular care. 1095 steel is not stainless. For this purpose, you will use the luxurious cleaning kit stored in a wooden box, which is included in the package. After every use, or even after touching the blade with bare hands, the surface must be wiped with rice paper (nugui-gami) and dusted with fine polishing powder (uchiko), which binds dirt. Subsequently, the blade is wiped again and a thin layer of clove oil (choji) is applied with a cloth. The kit also contains a brass hammer (mekugi-nuki) for carefully knocking out the bamboo pegs during the disassembly of the handle.

Technical Parameters

With this magnificent weapon, we recommend you also purchase an elegant wooden stand for a dignified display in your home and replacement tatami mats for cutting practice.