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John Lee Goemon Katana
Are you fascinated by Japanese history full of heroic deeds and tragic endings? The Goemon Katana is not just a weapon; it is the embodied story of the legendary outlaw Ishikawa Goemon, who in the 16th century stole from the rich and gave to the poor – a Japanese Robin Hood. His fate was sealed by execution in boiling oil, a moment artistically commemorated by this sword. If you are looking for a fully functional sword for tameshigiri (cutting tests) that also stands out as a jewel in your collection, you have just found it. The blade made of highly durable spring steel and its unique profile make it a tool for true connoisseurs. Further product information ...
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John Lee Goemon Katana – Sharp Sword of the "Japanese Robin Hood" made of 9260 Spring Steel
A Blade That Endures: 9260 Spring Steel
The heart of this sword is a blade forged from 9260 spring steel. Why is this important? This silicon-alloyed steel is known for its extraordinary toughness and resistance to material fatigue. Thanks to this, the sword is more forgiving of minor errors in cutting technique that could lead to damage in harder but more brittle steels.
The blade features the less common but all the more interesting Unokubi-Zukuri profile (translated as "cormorant's neck"). Note the thick spine at the guard, which significantly thins in the upper third of the blade and widens again at the tip (Kissaki). This structural design significantly reduces the blade's weight and shifts the center of gravity closer to the hand, ensuring fantastic maneuverability and speed without compromising cutting strength.
Artistic Details and Koshirae
Every element on this sword tells part of Goemon's story:
- Tsuba (Guard): The hand-painted and precisely crafted guard depicts Ishikawa Goemon himself. The motif is based on a famous woodblock print by the artist Toyokuni Ichijōsai.
- Tsuka (Handle): John Lee used premium materials here. The handle is covered with black ray skin (Samegawa) and wrapped with brown buckskin (suede) in the Hineri-Maki style. The suede is softer to the touch than cotton and provides an excellent non-slip grip.
- Fuchi and Kashira: The handle fittings bear relief motifs associated with Goemon's life and his name written in Kanji characters.
- Saya (Scabbard): The black high-gloss lacquered scabbard is fitted with genuine buffalo horn terminations (Koiguchi, Kurigata, Kojiri), a sign of high quality.
Usage and Safety
This sword has a professionally sharpened blade. It is designed for practical use in cutting tests on soft targets (tatami omote mats).
Warning: This is not a toy decoration. The katana is a deadly weapon. Exercise extreme caution when handling, drawing, and cleaning. The sword is not intended for contact fencing "blade on blade" against another steel weapon – this would result in irreversible damage to the edge.
Technical Specifications
| Blade Material | 9260 Spring Steel |
| Blade Profile | Unokubi-Zukuri |
| Total Length | approx. 104 cm (approx. 41 inches) |
| Blade Length | approx. 74.5 cm (approx. 29.3 inches) |
| Handle Length | approx. 29 cm (approx. 11.4 inches) |
| Weight | approx. 1150 g (approx. 2.5 lbs) |
| Handle Material | Ray skin + Brown suede (buckskin) |
| Scabbard | Wood, lacquer, buffalo horn |
Sword Care
Although 9260 steel is durable, like any carbon steel, it can rust. Clean the blade after every touch or cut and apply a thin layer of oil (e.g., clove oil). The sword arrives in a cloth bag and a beautiful wooden presentation box, which is ideal for safe storage.
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