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Hand-Forged - Shirasaya
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Are you looking for the cornerstone of your own custom-built Samurai sword, or do you need a premium replacement blade for your training? This hand-forged blade from the master smiths at John Lee represents the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. Forged from tough 1095 carbon steel (approx. 27.5" / 700 mm length), it has undergone the authentic differential hardening process using a clay coating. As a result, a genuine, non-ground hamon line flows across its surface. The blade arrives in a protective Shirasaya made of natural wood, complete with a brass habaki and fittings made of genuine buffalo horn. It is a blank canvas ready for your creativity and martial arts skill. Further product information ...
Heart of the Samurai Soul: Hand-Forged 1095 Carbon Steel Blade in Shirasaya
Technical Specifications and Material Details
This blade is no decorative imitation. It is forged from a single piece of solid steel without a soft core, giving it extraordinary resilience for cutting tests (tameshigiri). Due to the zonal hardening, the edge reaches a hardness of 60° HRC, while the spine (mune) remains more flexible at 40° HRC to prevent the blade from snapping under impact.
| Blade Material | 1095 Carbon Steel (monosteel) |
| Blade Length (Nagasa) | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Tang Length (Nakago) | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Width at Habaki (Motohaba) | 32.4 mm (1.28") |
| Thickness at Habaki (Motokasane) | 7.8 mm (0.31") |
| Weight with Habaki | approx. 822 g (1.81 lbs) |
| Included Accessories | Brass habaki, wooden scabbard (shirasaya), transport box, cloth bag |
Historical Context and Practical Use
In Japanese history, blades were often stored in what is known as Shirasaya ("white scabbard"). These were simple wooden mounts without a handguard (tsuba) or wrap (tsuka-ito), used to rest the blade and protect it from humidity and corrosion when not fitted in full combat mounts. This blade follows the tradition of sharp swords designed for real use and cutting practice.
Important Note: The Nakago (tang) deliberately has no pre-drilled holes for mekugi pegs. This allows you to achieve an absolutely precise fit for your own handle (tsuka), ensuring a perfectly tight and safe connection. As the blade is extremely sharp, there is a danger of serious or even fatal injury if handled improperly. Using the sword for practical cutting is entirely at your own risk and requires appropriate experience in martial arts.
Caring for Your Samurai Masterpiece
To ensure your blade serves you for many years, give it the attention it deserves:
- Corrosion Protection: Carbon steel reacts to moisture and fingerprints. Wipe the blade after every touch and apply a thin layer of oil (ideally camellia oil or specialized sword oil).
- Cleaning: Use rice paper or a soft cloth to remove old oil and debris.
- Storage: Keep the blade in a dry environment. The wooden scabbard (saya) is a natural product; its color may vary, but it always provides a safe home for the steel.
- What to Avoid: Never chop at hard objects like stone, metal, or thick branches. The sword is designed for straw mats or thin bamboo shoots.
We recommend purchasing a complete sword cleaning kit and high-quality whetstones to maintain the perfect edge of your blade.
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