Katana “Shi no Yōso”

The Japanese Samurai sword “Shi no Yōso” symbolizes the “Four Elements” in Japan. The blade of this high-end katana is made from 1095 carbon steel, differentially hardened (featuring a real hamon), and crafted using traditional handmade techniques. Additionally, the blade boasts a unique, specialized hamon.

Thanks to the differential hardening process, the blade retains its sharpness even during demanding use. In the final stage of production, the blade is traditionally sharpened with Japanese water stones to achieve a razor-sharp edge. The saya (scabbard) is made of genuine hardwood and adorned with authentic buffalo horn. The katana’s handle is covered with authentic rayskin and wrapped with tightly woven Japanese silk. The stainless steel fittings, including the Tsuba, Fuchi, and Kashira, captivate with intricate embellishments crafted using traditional Chokin techniques (metal chiseling), as employed for centuries in Samurai swords.

With the katana “Shi no Yōso,” you can effortlessly glide through bamboo mats during Tameshigiri (katana cutting practice) as if cutting through butter. The exceptional carbon steel blade, elegant and authentic appearance, and fittings crafted from stainless steel and adorned with intricate embellishments using traditional Chokin techniques, along with the hardwood saya accented with buffalo horn, make this katana a stunning highlight in the high-end category of Japanese swords.

Be swift as the wind, calm as the forest, devastating as fire, and immovable as the mountain.”
(Takeda Shingen)

Specifications

• Hand-forged in traditional Japanese style: Yes
• Technical training (Battodo): Yes
• Cutting exercises (tameshigiri): Yes
• Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in genuine rayskin
• Tsuba (sword guard): Stainless steel
• Fuchi (hilt collar): Stainless steel
• Kashira (pommel cap): Stainless steel
• Menuki (handle charms): Stainless steel
• Ito (handle wrap): Japanese silk
• Saya (scabbard): Hardwood with buffalo horn accents
• Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk
• Total length: 40.55 inches (103 cm)

Blade

• Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
• Clay-tempered (real hamon): Yes
• Practical use (“battle ready”): Yes
• Folded steel: No
• Full-tang: Yes
• Sand-polished: Yes
• Sharpened with Japanese whetstones: Yes
• Bo-hi (blood groove): No
• Blade length: 28 inches (71 cm)
• Blade thickness: 0.276 inches (7 mm)
• Blade width: 1.26 inches (3.2 cm)
• Hardness: 55 – 58 HRC