Kill Bill Katana “Bill’s Hattori Hanzo”

The “Hattori Hanzō” samurai sword, known in Japanese history as “The Demon Hanzō”, is prominently featured in “Kill Bill”, wielded by the character Bill. This katana is crafted from 1045 carbon steel, made using traditional Japanese techniques, and comes with a black saya crafted from genuine hardwood. The tsuka (handle) is covered with real ray skin and tightly wrapped with imitation Japanese silk, providing a durable and authentic grip. The blade is traditionally polished with sand and sharpened to a razor’s edge.

“Swords never get tired.”
(O-Ren Ishii)

The popular “Hattori-Hanzo”

The famed Hattori Hanzō did indeed exist, though he became widely known primarily through Quentin Tarantino’s film “Kill Bill”. The real Hattori Hanzō was born in 1541 in the Mikawa Province and died in 1596. Also known by the name Hattori Masanari Masashige, he was a renowned samurai and ninja of feudal Japan. Hanzō was the leader of the Iga ninja and was also known as “Oni no Hanzō” (The Demon Hanzō). It was the “Kill Bill” movies that particularly popularized Hattori Hanzō, highlighting his skill in crafting flawless, hand-forged, and unique Japanese samurai swords. These films not only brought attention to his historical legacy but also immortalized him as a legendary swordsmith.

Specifications

• Hand-forged in traditional Japanese style: Yes
• Technical training (Battodo): Yes
• Cutting exercises (tameshigiri): No
• Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in genuine ray skin
• Tsuba (sword guard): Iron
• Fuchi (hilt collar): Brass
• Kashira (pommel cap): Brass
• Menuki (handle charms): Brass
• Ito (handle wrap): Polyester
• Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, lacquered
• Sageo (scabbard cord): Polyester
• Total length: 40.5 inches (103 cm)

Blade

• Material: 1045 carbon steel
• Clay-tempered (real hamon): No
• Practical use (“battle ready”): Yes
• Folded steel: No
• Full-tang: Yes
• Sand-polished: Yes
• Cut with Japanese water stones: No
• 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: 50 – 55 HRC