Description
Forged in a small hamlet nestled within the Longquan mountains of China’s Zhejiang province, this sword emerges from a swordmaking tradition that has endured for over two millennia. Each part of this blade is shaped by smiths who carry forward forging techniques passed down through countless generations. The blade itself is fashioned from 1095 high carbon steel, prized for its balance of toughness and ability to hold a keen edge. Through differential clay tempering, the spine of the blade is hardened to a Rockwell hardness between 45-48 HRC, while the cutting edge is hardened more deeply to 56-58 HRC. This heat treatment produces the hamon,a distinctive wavy line along the blade,revealing the boundary between the softer spine and the harder edge, a signature feature of traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship.
The handguard (tsuba) and pommel bear the image of the pheasant, a symbol of harmony and Japan’s national bird, grounding this blade in cultural significance. These fittings, along with the fuchigashira,the collar next to the tsuba,are cast from brass and finished with an aged patina that hints at the passage of time. The grip is wrapped in genuine rayskin, offering a textured surface for a firm hold, and is bound with tightly woven cord for both function and appearance. The wooden scabbard is coated in matte black lacquer, decorated with glossy “raindrop” motifs that catch the light subtly.
This katana measures 41 inches overall, with a blade length of 28 ½ inches, and weighs just over 2 pounds,balanced for both handling and cutting efficiency. It is accompanied by a cotton storage bag and a care kit to help maintain the blade’s condition over time.
Fun fact: The hamon on this Kiji Katana isn’t merely decorative,it’s formed by the clay tempering process that creates a blade with a hard, razor-sharp edge capable of precise cutting, while the softer spine absorbs shock, preventing the blade from becoming brittle and breaking during use.
