Katana “Benikage”

Hand-Forged Japanese Samurai Sword with Red Lacquered Saya The hardwood saya of the Benikage is finished in a deep red lacquer with irregular black speckling. The dark pattern varies in intensity across the glossy surface, creating a striking contrast against the red background. The black silk sageo complements the darker elements of the saya. This interplay of red and black also gives the katana its name: Benikage (紅影) – “Crimson Shadow”. The tsuka continues the same colour scheme. Beneath the tightly wrapped black Japanese silk lies red faux rayskin, visible through the diamond-shaped openings of the ito. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are made from zinc alloy and feature decorative detailing. The round, openwork tsuba with its floral motif particularly complements the contrasting black and red design. The hand-forged blade is made from 1060 carbon steel and finished with an even sand polish. A wave-shaped artificial hamon runs along the cutting edge, adding a further visual accent to the blade. A full tang secured within the tsuka by two mekugi provides a solid construction. With hand-forged 1060 carbon steel, Japanese silk wrapping and its characteristic black and red design, the Benikage combines functional construction with a distinctive appearance. “The cherry blossom among flowers, the warrior among men.” Features Hand-forged in the traditional Japanese style: Yes Suitable for technique training (Battodo): Yes Suitable for cutting practice (Tameshigiri): No Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in imitation rayskin Tsuba (handguard): Zinc alloy Fuchi (collar): Zinc alloy Kashira (pommel): Zinc alloy Menuki (handle ornaments): Zinc alloy Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped in Japanese silk Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, red and black lacquered Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk Overall length: 103 cm / 40.5 in Blade Material: 1060 carbon steel Clay-tempered (genuine hamon): No Battle-ready: Yes Folded steel: No Full tang: Yes (2 mekugi) Sand-polished: Yes Sharpened with Japanese water stones: No Bo-hi (blood groove): Yes Blade length: 72 cm / 28.3 in Blade thickness: 7 mm / 0.28 in Blade width: 3.2 cm / 1.26 in Hardness: 55–58 HRC