Made To Order:
Note: The katana shown in the images is one of my personal katanas. This particular katana, along with two others, are the only katanas I will be making this year.
Production Turnaround Time: 3–4 months
Each katana is a singular, one-of-a-kind creation—only one of each will ever be made. Upon completion, a Certificate of Authenticity will be issued to certify the katana as authentic. If you choose, your katana can be made to qualify as a Shinsakuto (real sword).
These katanas are strictly 100% hand-crafted and hand-made by me, following a semi-modern version of Nihonto (Japanese swordsmithing), as taught by my late Tōkō Shidōshi, Inako Mutukensi.
Crafting Methods:
- Method 1: Using my late Tōkō Shidōshi Inako Mutukensi’s personal version of making tamahagane from his unique formulation of iron sand. He was the 28th generation Nihonto master in his family lineage, a retired Ivy League and University of California professor of chemistry and physics. His scientific expertise allowed him to recreate a tamahagane-like steel, an "imitation tamahagane," that is easier to work with, yields better quality, and produces katanas that qualify as Shinsakuto, or real swords.
- Method 2: Using a combination of high-carbon stainless powder steels blended with high-carbon powdered steels. Though this method does not qualify the katana as Shinsakuto, it is still a fully authentic Nihonto-style sword made using traditional forging techniques. It is considered a high-quality replica due to material differences.
Materials Used:
- Hocho-Tetsu: Low or medium carbon steel
- Tamahagane: Or crucible powdered high-carbon stainless steel mixed with high-carbon steel powder blend
- Nabe-Gane: Cast iron or wrought iron
Traditional Techniques:
- The Yaki-Ire hardening method is applied, utilizing natural clay, charcoal, and rainwater.
- The Saya (scabbard) and Koiguchi (scabbard mouth) are handcrafted.
- The saya is assembled using Sokui, a traditional rice paste glue.
- After assembly, the saya is finished and shaped with traditional Japanese hand tools including saws, planes, chisels, rasps, and kiridashi knives.
This katana is a testament to the blend of centuries-old tradition and modern craftsmanship, reflecting the artistry and precision of authentic Nihonto swordmaking.