Katana John Lee - Tameshigiri Sword
5xAre you looking for a sword that isn't just for decoration but can actually withstand practical use? This katana from the John Lee workshop is designed exactly for you. Its name "Practical" is no accident. It was engineered with a single goal: to provide you with a fully functional tool for cutting tests (Tameshigiri) at an unbeatable price. Forget about stainless steel replicas that bend upon first contact. Here, you hold a blade made of 1095 high-carbon steel that has undergone a traditional differential hardening process. Thanks to the absence of a groove (Bo-Hi), the blade is more massive and forceful, which you will appreciate during a cut. Further product information ...
Practical Katana John Lee – 1095 Carbon Steel Tameshigiri Sword
Construction for Demanding Use
The heart of the sword is a blade forged from 1095 carbon steel in Shinogi-Zukuri geometry. The key element here is the real Hamon line, created by the traditional clay tempering method. This means the edge reaches a hardness of approx. 60° HRC, while the spine remains softer (approx. 40° HRC). The result is an extremely sharp yet flexible blade that won't snap upon impact. The handle (Tsuka) is firmly fixed to the blade tang with two bamboo pegs (Mekugi), ensuring maximum safety during practical use. The black cotton wrap in Hineri-Maki style tightly secures the real ray skin underlay.
Aesthetics in the Spirit of Tradition
Although function is the priority, appearance has not been compromised. The scabbard (Saya) is lacquered in the unique Kuroshime style—matte black lacquer with glossy black spots, giving the weapon a distinctive character. The brass collar (Habaki) and cast guard (Tsuba) complement the overall understated but elegant look of the weapon, which is based on museum originals.
Sword Parameters
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Tempering | Differential (Clay tempered), 60 HRC edge / 40 HRC spine |
| Blade Length (to Tsuba) | 74 cm (approx. 29.1 inches) |
| Total Length (without Saya) | 105.5 cm (approx. 41.5 inches) |
| Total Length (with Saya) | 106.5 cm (approx. 41.9 inches) |
| Weight (without Saya) | 1220 g (approx. 2.7 lbs) |
| Point of Balance | approx. 14 cm (5.5 inches) from Tsuba |
| Blade Width (at Habaki) | 32 mm (approx. 1.26 inches) |
| Blade Thickness (at Habaki) | 7.7 mm (approx. 0.3 inches) |
Care for Carbon Steel
Your sword demands respect and care. Since 1095 steel is not stainless, it is prone to corrosion.
- Preservation: Clean the blade of dirt and sweat after every touch or use. Regularly oil it with special sword oil (e.g., Choji clove oil).
- Care and Maintenance of Samurai Swords and Japanese Swords
- Tameshigiri: If you perform cuts on wet mats, dry and oil the sword immediately afterwards.
- Safety: The edge is sharpened like a razor. Exercise extreme caution when handling, drawing, and sheathing the sword. Practice only if you have sufficient experience or under the supervision of a master.
Packaging Note: The sword is delivered in a wooden box with a certificate. This box serves primarily as protection during transport and is included free of charge. Minor imperfections on the box are not grounds for a claim.
To safely maintain the sword and keep it sharp, we recommend purchasing a Samurai sword cleaning kit.
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