Description
Forged in a small village nestled in the Longquan mountains of China’s Zhejiang province, this sword carries the weight of a swordmaking tradition that spans over two thousand years. The blade is made from 1095 high carbon steel, a material favored by smiths for its blend of hardness and resilience. Through the ancient method of differential clay tempering, the spine is tempered to a Rockwell hardness of 45-48 HRC, allowing it to absorb impacts without cracking, while the cutting edge is hardened to 56-58 HRC to maintain a sharp, durable edge. This technique creates the hamon,a visible temper line that appears where the softer spine meets the harder edge once the clay is removed. Each blade is sharpened to a keen finish, capable of slicing cleanly through a single sheet of paper, a traditional test of sharpness. The tsuba, collar, and pommel are cast from brass and bear the crane motif, an ancient symbol in Japanese culture representing good fortune, longevity,cranes are said to live a thousand years,and peace. The handle is wrapped with genuine rayskin beneath a tightly woven cord wrap, providing a firm and comfortable grip. The wooden scabbard is coated in deep black lacquer, polished to a glossy finish. The sword measures 41” overall, with a 28-1/2” blade, and weighs just over 2 pounds. It includes a cotton storage bag and a cleaning kit to help preserve its edge and finish.
Fun fact: The Tsuru Katana, featuring the Shogun crane design, was often carried by samurai as more than a weapon,it was believed to serve as a protective talisman, bringing good fortune and long life in battle.
