Iai Katana “Shoden No Sakura”

The “Shoden” Iai Shinken or Iaito was specifically developed to meet the high demands of Iaido training. In close collaboration with experienced Iaidoka, this sword was created in response to the long-standing desire for a perfectly balanced and easily handled sword – a quality previously only found in expensive Nihonto from Japan.

Every detail of the Shoden katana has been carefully considered – from the optimized geometry that enables excellent control and balance, to the lightweight design that allows for extended training sessions without fatigue. The Shoden enhances and refines the precision of Iaido techniques, making it the ideal choice for demanding practitioners.

• Specifically developed for Iaido: Created in close collaboration with experienced Iaidoka and perfected through several prototypes to meet the specific demands of Iaido training.
• Available as Iaito or Iai Shinken: Choose between a blunt version for safe technique training (Iaito) and a sharp version for advanced practice and cutting exercises (Iai Shinken).
• Optimized Geometry: Perfectly calibrated curvature, thickness, and width of the blade and handle for precise control and excellent balance.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing less than 1000 g, it is ideal for extended training sessions without fatigue.
• Tome-hi Bo-hi (Blooed Groove): A groove starting before the Habaki, typical of high-quality Iaito.
• Special Saya: Reinforced with buffalo horn, with a specially adjusted distance between the Kurigata and Koiguchi, no Shitodome, an untied Sageo cord, and a slightly oval shape for better handling and guidance in the Obi.
• Traditional Sashikomi Polish: The Ha (area between the Hamon and the cutting edge) is given a misty polish, while the rest of the blade is polished to a high gloss.
• High-Quality Fittings: Simple and elegant, made from traditional materials like ray skin and brass, giving the sword a premium and authentic appearance.

“The goal was to create a Shinken in the mid-price range that has a reasonable length, while still being lightweight and offering a well-balanced center of gravity.”
(Fynn)

The Creation of the Shoden Katana

Fynn from Iaido Tests (a German Iaido YouTuber) had long been searching for a Shinken for his martial art, Iaido. Since a Nihonto was financially out of reach, he began looking through various shops and manufacturers but came up empty-handed. The swords were either too expensive, too short, too heavy, the handle too thick, too long, or had other ergonomic issues. The German-speaking market offered no viable options in this regard.

We are therefore delighted that, with Fynn’s help, we have been able to fill this gap and create a sword that meets these demands. The goal was to develop a katana in the mid-price range that offers a reasonable length, while still being lightweight and well-balanced. The light blade is designed to be robust and able to withstand the demands of intensive Iai training. For this reason, T10 steel was chosen for the blade, as it is less sensitive to frequent contact with bare hands. The blade also impresses visually with its traditional-looking polish in the Sashikomi style, where the Ha (area between the Hamon and the cutting edge) is given a misty polish, while the rest of the blade is polished to a high gloss. A special feature of the blade is the Tome-hi (groove), which starts before the Habaki, as is typical in Japanese Iaito.

The saya is also designed for practicality while still being visually appealing, with buffalo horn accents. The Ishime lacquer finish ensures that fingerprints are less visible on the saya and allows it to glide more smoothly through the obi during certain forms. The saya is not oval, but slightly egg-shaped, so you can always feel how it is positioned in the obi. The fittings and wrapping were chosen for their traditional appearance, exuding simple elegance. We are proud to take the needs of martial artists seriously and are now able to offer swords specifically designed for this group.

Characteristics

• Hand-forged in traditional Japanese style: Yes
• Technique training (Battodo): Yes
• Cutting practice (Tameshigiri): Yes
• Tsuka (handle): Hardwood covered with real ray skin
• Tsuba (guard): Brass, with gold and silver
• Fuchi (handle Collar): Brass
• Kashira (pommel cap): Brass
• Menuki (handle charms): Brass
• Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped with silk blended fabric
• Handle length: aprox. 10.24 inches (26 cm)
• Saya (scabbard): Real hardwood, Ishime (water droplet look)
• Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped with Japanese silk
• Total length: aprox. 41.93 inches (106,5 cm)
• Total weight: < 1000 g

Klinge

• Material: T10 steel
• Clay tempered (real hamon): Yes
• Practical use (“Battle ready”): Yes
• Folded steel: No
• Full-Tang: Yes
• Polish: Sashikomi
• Tome-hi: Groove starting before the habaki
• Blade length: 2.45 Shaku (aprox. 29.13 inches or 74 cm without habaki)
• Motohaba: Specific measurements are treated confidentially
• Motokasane: Specific measurements are treated confidentially
• Sakihaba: Specific measurements are treated confidentially
• Sakikasane: Specific measurements are treated confidentially
• Sori (blade curvature): Specific measurements are treated confidentially
• Hardness: 55 – 58 HRC