John Lee Shira-Saya Katana – Black
Are you fascinated by the aesthetics of stealth and minimalist design? The Black Shira-Saya Katana by John Lee is a replica of a sword that deceives the eye. Originally, the "shira-saya" served only to store the blade safely at home, allowing the wood to absorb moisture. However, in the late 19th century, when the Emperor banned the public carrying of swords, this style became a popular way to conceal a deadly weapon in the guise of an ordinary staff. This version, in black lacquer with gilded characters (sayagaki), appears darker and more elegant than its natural wood counterpart. Further product information ...
John Lee Shira-Saya Katana – Black Edition
Construction and Appearance
The sword is mounted in a wooden handle and scabbard, both lacquered black. The scabbard features a gold sayagaki inscription, which traditionally provided information about the sword's origin. The absence of a guard (tsuba) and handle wrapping gives the sword a clean, uninterrupted line. Hidden inside is a hand-forged blade made of 1045 carbon steel in the shinogi-zukuri style, which is knife-sharp. The blade features a groove (bo-hi) and an aesthetic temper line (hamon) created by cross-grinding.
Important Warning: Safety First
Although the blade is fully functional, sharp, and made of quality steel, we strongly advise against using this sword for cutting practice (tameshigiri). The reason is the absence of a hand guard (tsuba). The smooth lacquered handle can slip in your hand during a strong swing, and without a guard to stop your hand, there is a risk of your fingers sliding directly onto the blade. This sword is intended primarily as a collector's piece, decoration, or for very careful non-contact form practice (kata).
Specifications
| Blade Material | 1045 Carbon Steel (hand-forged) |
| Total Length | 100.5 cm / approx. 39.6 inches |
| Blade Length | 72.5 cm / approx. 28.5 inches |
| Handle Length | 28 cm / approx. 11 inches |
| Weight | approx. 940 g / approx. 2.1 lbs |
| Construction | 1x mekugi (not intended for disassembly) |
| Finish | Black lacquer, gold sayagaki |
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