PRAYING MANTIS KATANA

Note: As of April 6th 2008 import and sales of this item are now strictly controlled within the UK. Call or e-mail for information,but we still can supply it to any one with ''''Permitted activity'''' it is simple and straight forward.

The Praying Mantis is a symbol of cunning and power in Japanese culture and is consequently a highly respected theme in Samurai swords. Built on our new L6/Bainite blade (detailed below) in the Shobu Zukuri style with Bo-Hi, and featuring superb koshirae, the Praying Mantis is a very desirable and functional piece. The subdued green silk ito and deep brown of the lacquered saya provide handsome contrast to the dark copper and golden accents of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira. The stalking mantis lies in wait for his next prey, mirroring the power and grace in this exceptional katana.
Bainite is a structure of high-carbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics. It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few top-class master smiths, due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba (edge section) required for Katana blades.
Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process, using billets of L-6 tool steel (a very tough high-carbon low-alloy steel) as a starting point. Blades are forged and shaped in the normal way, then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.

MEASUREMENT:

Overall: 41''''
Nagasa: 29'''' Bainite
Tsuka: 11''''
weight: 2lb 8oz

 price includes VAT and delivery with this item.
 

RONIN KATANA

Note: As of April 6th 2008 import and sales of this item are now strictly controlled within the UK. Call or e-mail for information,but we still can supply it to any one with ''''Permitted activity'''' it is simple and straight forward.

The Story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most celebrated and influential tales of the Samurai from the Edo period. Lord Asano was a powerful Daimyo ordered by the Shogun to entertain guests of the Imperial Family. The highest ranking master of protocol, Kira, was given the task of teaching Asano, among others, proper matters of etiquette in this task. Lord Asano and Kira quickly grew to dislike each other and the teacher insulted his student at every opportunity. No longer able to contain himself, Asano drew his sword upon Kira, wounding him in the attack. This act led to Asano’s ordered suicide (seppuku) and the confiscation of his property. On December 14, 1702, nearly one year after Asano’s death, 47 of Asano’s men (now Ronin), descended upon the mansion of Kira to exact their revenge. After a fierce battle, the Ronin demanded that Kira commit seppuku for his transgressions against their former master. When he refused he was beheaded. For their actions the Ronin were themselves sentenced to death by seppuku. They are buried together at the Sengakuji, offering a true testament to the loyalty inherent in the Samurai.
 

Our Ronin Koshirae Katana captures the spirit of Lord Asano’s 47 Ronin. The blackened iron Tsuba depicts Asano’s followers on their vengeful march. The blade is hand forged & folded Swedish powder steel with Hi in a traditional Shinogi Zukuri style

MEASUREMENT:

 price includes VAT and delivery with this item.
 

WIND & THUNDER KATANA

Note: As of April 6th 2008 import and sales of this item are now strictly controlled within the UK. Call or e-mail for information,but we still can supply it to any one with ''''Permitted activity'''' it is simple and straight forward.

This new cutting katana from CAS/Hanwei is designed specifically for the martial artist that needs a sword for the demands of rigorous tameshigiri. The Wind & Thunder Katana (SH5001), Wakisashi (SH5024) and Tanto (SH5003) all have a hand-forged 1065 high carbon steel blade that is differentially tempered using the traditional claying method. The blades feature a long o-kissaki & a heavier and thicker blade with traditional furniture and fittings. The Wind & Thunder is fitted with the black iron Raiden tsuba and Tomoe motif fuchi and kashira. The handle is wrapped in genuine ray skin (same) and the tsuka-ito is premium Japanese black cotton. The saya is done in a traditional black laquer and the sageo is also black cotton. This sword is an excellent choice for those intereseted in Battojutsu

 MEASUREMENTS:

 price includes VAT and delivery with this item.
 

TSUNAMI WAKIZASHI

Note: As of April 6th 2008 import and sales of this item are now strictly controlled within the UK. Call or e-mail for information,but we still can supply it to any one with ''''Permitted activity'''' it is simple and straight forward.

Each piece in the Tsunami (Katana SH5004, Wakisashi SH5002, & Tanto SH5022) has a hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel blade (nagasa) and is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. The tsuba, fuchi, & kashira are made of black iron and marked with the Tomoe crest (mon). The temper lines (hamon) are evident and prominent. Each piece has a deeply lacquered black saya with a one-piece brass habaki construction. Genuine ray skin (same) is used on the tsuka, and the tsuka-ito and sageo are made of premium woven Japanese black cotton. The katana (SH5004) and wakizashi (SH5002) are constructed with a large o-kissaki and are ideal for cutting exercises (tameshigiri). The handle on the tanto (SH5022) is an attractive ribbed buffalo horn. A great set for those interested in the art of Kenjutsu.

 MEASUREMENTS:

price includes VAT and delivery with this item.
 

WIND & THUNDER TANTO

This new cutting katana from CAS/Hanwei is designed specifically for the martial artist that needs a sword for the demands of rigorous tameshigiri. The Wind & Thunder Tanto (SH5003), Wakisashi (SH5024) and Katana (SH5001), all have a hand-forged 1065 high carbon steel blade that is differentially tempered using the traditional claying method. The blades feature a long o-kissaki & a heavier and thicker blade with traditional furniture and fittings. The Wind & Thunder is fitted with the black iron Raiden tsuba and Tomoe motif fuchi and kashira. The handle is wrapped in genuine ray skin (same) and the tsuka-ito is premium Japanese black cotton. The saya is done in a traditional black laquer and the sageo is also black cotton. This sword is an excellent choice for those intereseted in Battojutsu

MEASUREMENTS:
 

price includes VAT and delivery with this item.
 

TSUNAMI KATANA

Note: As of April 6th 2008 import and sales of this item are now strictly controlled within the UK. Call or e-mail for information,but we still can supply it to any one with ''''Permitted activity'''' it is simple and straight forward.

Each piece in the Tsunami (Katana SH5004, Wakisashi SH5002, & Tanto SH5022) has a hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel blade (nagasa) and is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. The tsuba, fuchi, & kashira are made of black iron and marked with the Tomoe crest (mon). The temper lines (hamon) are evident and prominent. Each piece has a deeply lacquered black saya with a one-piece brass habaki construction. Genuine ray skin (same) is used on the tsuka, and the tsuka-ito and sageo are made of premium woven Japanese black cotton. The katana (SH5004) and wakizashi (SH5002) are constructed with a large o-kissaki and are ideal for cutting exercises (tameshigiri). The handle on the tanto (SH5022) is an attractive ribbed buffalo horn. A great set for those interested in the art of Kenjutsu.

MEASUREMENTS:

price includes VAT and delivery with this item.