Sokojikara Kyoto Dawn Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword - Hand Forged, Clay Tempered T10 High Carbon Steel - Genuine Ray Skin; Iron Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready

Product Description

The "dawn" of a modern katana legend
Savage yet beautiful, tough yet graceful, Sokojikara's distinctive "Kyoto Dawn" Katana is a wild animal in the trappings of a nobleman. Sokojikara developed this outstanding traditional Japanese katana with the serious swordsman in mind. Master smiths painstakingly hand forge every blade, and seasoned sword artisans expertly handcraft the tsuka and saya. From vigorously hammering the raw, molten steel to gingerly tapping in each wooden mekugi, every step in the Kyoto Dawn's construction receives the utmost care and precise attention to detail. Some of the world's - and history's - most revered techniques are employed, and every material is top-of-the-line. Add chic aesthetics and sophisticated appointments, and you've got a sword destined to be a legend.

Top-grade steel enhanced by proven differential hardening process
The Kyoto Dawn's blade is hand forged from T10 - one of the most sought-after high carbon steels - and T10 alone would yield a blade with a nasty bite. But the Kyoto Dawn takes it a step further, enhancing the blade with a time honored differential hardening technique called clay tempering. Unique to traditional Japanese swordcraft, clay tempering was developed centuries ago by Edo-period smiths and is integral to the katana's longstanding, well-earned reputation as the sharpest sword on earth.

Sharpest in the world and stays that way
Clay tempering also imparts edge retention that's simply without equal. The Kyoto Dawn's clay tempered tanto blade glides through rolled bamboo tatami mats and even cinder blocks like a koi through a still pond, suffering neither crack nor fissure, all-the-while retaining its razor sharp edge. Try that with an ordinary, non-tempered blade! It’ll almost certainly result in a dulled and/or chipped edge and perhaps even a cracked blade spine or worse. Clay tempering is due much of the credit for the Kyoto Dawn's ability to withstand such punishing cutting trials. The tempering process is conceptually simple, but it requires great skill and many years of grueling experience.

Clay tempering still painstakingly performed by seasoned hands
Prior to the intense heat of the hardening phase, Sokojikara's expert swordsmiths coat the newly formed, unrefined blade with clay - a thin layer along the edge, a thicker layer on the body and spine. When the blade emerges from the hardening forge, the clay layers' contrasting thicknesses cause the steel to cool at slightly different rates, yielding two distinct hardness regions. The edge cools faster, making it harder for edge retention and shear strength. The body and spine cool more slowly, rendering it "tougher"- less brittle, more flexible and better equipped to absorb impact energy.

Traditional style, classic appointments, yet far from ordinary
Just as the morning sky erupts with vibrant shades of red, blue, gold and violet as the sun climbs over the horizon, the “Kyoto Dawn" Katana reverberates with the vivid colors of early morn. The teal hue of the braided ito and sageo boldly offsets the rich garnet finish of the hand-lacquered saya. This somewhat unusual, yet intriguing, color pairing makes the Kyoto Dawn an eye-catching display piece when not in use. That said, you'll want to use it as much as possible, as it's a genuine pleasure to wield.

Sublime, practically Zen-like feel to match serene look
Impeccably balanced, the Kyoto Dawn's weight is shrewdly distributed for improved control and agility, quicker response, as well as maximum power from every swing. The delicately textured genuine ray skin same and soft braided ito that cloak the tsuka afford a comfortable, no-slip grip, further enhancing the sword's superb feel. Expertly cast from iron, the tsuba guards the hand, while conferring rich rustic charm. In keeping with the Kyoto Dawn's clean, no-frills aesthetic theme, the rugged iron tsuba snubs fanciful reliefs and other decadent ornamentation for subtle embossed kanji. Nestled between ito and ray skin same, the classic brass menuki affords a perfect finishing touch to the tsuka.

Experience the "Dawn," then pass it on
The Kyoto Dawn has proven itself time and again, and it holds its own against any of today's most expensive katana, outperforming many. But the old cliché is true - "action" does indeed "speak louder than words," and at this unbeatable, downright unheard of price, why deny yourself the opportunity to experience Sokojikara's Kyoto Dawn Katana for yourself? No matter how you use it, with proper care you can enjoy it for a lifetime. Then pass it down to your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren! The Kyoto Dawn is heirloom-quality and built to be treasured by generations of your descendants - your legacy preserved in hand forged steel. “Despair not, oh great city of Kyoto, for the terror of the night is nearly done. Over the horizon peeks the light of the sun. Behold, Kyoto, now comes the radiant dawn!”