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Katsumoto Katana, John Lee, Hon-Sanmei Blade, 1095/1065 Steel
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Immerse yourself in the turbulent history of the 15th century with a katana that bears the name of one of the most powerful men of his time. The Katsumoto Katana by John Lee is a masterpiece that pays homage to Hosokawa Katsumoto, a key figure in the Ōnin War. This is no ordinary sword—it is a weapon for true connoisseurs. Its heart is an incredibly complex, hand-forged blade in the Hon-Sanmei style, which combines three different types of steel for a perfect balance: an extremely hard edge (1095 steel, 60 HRC), medium-hard sides (1065 steel), and a soft core. The handmade tsuba depicts the warrior Katsumoto and his family mon. The handle, featuring genuine black rayskin, is wrapped with black silk in the Katate-Maki (war wrap) style. This extremely sharp katana is delivered in a luxurious wooden box with a high-gloss stand. Further product information ...
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Katsumoto Katana, John Lee, Hon-Sanmei Blade, 1095/1065 Steel
The Story of the Warlord Katsumoto
Hosokawa Katsumoto (1430–1473) was one of the most influential Shogun's deputies (Kanrei) in the 15th century. He became the central figure in the catastrophic Ōnin War (1467–1477), a ten-year conflict that destroyed the capital city of Kyōto. Katsumoto commanded an army of over 80,000 men there, fighting against his father-in-law, Yamana Sôzen. The war ended in a stalemate but forever changed the face of Japan. This katana's design reflects the strength and status of this powerful warrior.
Master-Forged Blade: Hon-Sanmei Construction
The pinnacle of this sword is its blade, forged using one of the most complex methods ever—Hon-Sanmei. This "three-plate" construction consists of three parts:
- Edge (Ha): Made from extremely hard 1095 carbon steel, hardened to approx. 60 HRC. This ensures exceptional and long-lasting sharpness.
- Sides (Shinogi-Ji): Made from medium-hard 1065 carbon steel, which supports the edge and absorbs shock.
- Core (Shin): Made from soft, low-carbon steel, which gives the blade flexibility and prevents it from breaking.
The blade is forged in the Shinogi-Zukuri style and features a fuller (Bo-Hi) to reduce weight and improve balance. The differential hardening process using clay creates a beautiful, clearly visible hamon line, which is hand-polished to perfection.
Handmade Mountings (Koshirae)
Every element of the fittings is handmade, giving the sword its unique character.
- Tsuba (Guard): Features a detailed relief of the warrior Hosokawa Katsumoto and his family mon (crest).
- Handle (Tsuka): The wooden core is covered with genuine, blackened rayskin (Samegawa) and wrapped with black silk in the Katate-Maki (war wrap) style, which is tighter and more functional.
- Fuchi & Kashira: The handle collar and pommel cap are artfully decorated and match the overall design.
- Scabbard (Saya): Wooden, finished in a high-gloss black (Kuroro) style. All end caps (Kojiri, Kurigata, Koiguchi) are made from genuine buffalo horn.
- Habaki & Seppa: The blade collar and spacers are made of brass.
- Construction: The sword has a long tang (nakago) secured in the handle by two bamboo pegs (mekugi). It is fully disassemblable.
Luxurious Package
This masterpiece comes with matching accessories: the sword is delivered in an attractive wooden collector's box, which also includes a high-gloss lacquered stand with a velvet lining. A cloth bag, a John Lee seal, and a certificate of authenticity are also included.
Specifications
| Blade Material | 1095 Steel (Edge), 1065 Steel (Sides), Soft Steel (Core) |
| Blade Construction | Hon-Sanmei |
| Handle Material | Wood / Genuine Rayskin (Black) / Silk (Black) |
| Wrap Style | Katate-Maki (War Wrap) |
| Handle Length | 32 cm (approx. 12.6") |
| Blade Length | 78 cm (approx. 30.7") |
| Overall Length (without sheath) | 111 cm (approx. 43.7") |
| Weight (without sheath) | approx. 1200 g (approx. 2.65 lbs) |
Safe Use Guidelines
This is a top-tier, fully functional, and extremely sharp weapon. It is not a toy and must be handled with extreme caution.
WARNING: Sharp Sword – This is not a toy!
- Always handle the sword with maximum respect. It is razor-sharp and can cause severe or fatal injury.
- Not intended for stage combat or contact sparring with other swords. The hard edge (60 HRC), while sharp, is brittle and can chip or break on impact with steel.
- The sword is intended for collectors, kata (forms) practice, and test cutting (tameshigiri) on appropriate soft materials (e.g., tatami mats).
- Never cut at hard objects (wood, bone, metal).
- Keep the sword out of the reach of children and unauthorised persons. Use is strictly at your own risk.
Sword Care
The 1095/1065 carbon steel blade is not stainless. To maintain its beauty and prevent rust, it requires care. After every use (even after simple handling), wipe the blade clean with a soft cloth (like nugui-gami rice paper) and apply a thin coat of conservation oil, ideally Choji oil. Store the sword in a dry environment. For complete care, we recommend the Japanese Sword Maintenance Kit (OH2105).
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