Katana “Kōbai”

Hand-Forged Samurai Katana with Plum Blossom Saya The deep black lacquered hardwood saya features a hand-painted design of gold-coloured plum branches and red blossoms. The floral motif stands out clearly against the dark background and gives the katana its name: Kōbai (紅梅) – “Red Plum Blossom”. The tsuka and sageo are finished with brown Japanese silk, complementing the warm tones of the saya. Beneath the tightly wrapped ito lies faux rayskin. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are crafted from brass and add further warm accents. The tsuba is particularly distinctive with its detailed Japanese scene. The hand-forged blade is made from T10 carbon steel and has also been folded. This creates a fine layered pattern within the steel, giving the blade surface an individual character. Traditional differential clay hardening produces a genuine hamon along the cutting edge. A subsequent sand polish provides an even finish and allows both the hamon and the layered structure of the folded steel to stand out. The sharpened blade is suitable for cutting practice. A full tang secured within the tsuka by two mekugi provides a solid construction. With folded T10 carbon steel, genuine differential clay hardening, Japanese silk wrapping and a hand-painted saya, the Kōbai combines a functional construction with a particularly distinctive design. “Only after enduring the cold of winter does the plum blossom release its purest fragrance.” Features Hand-forged in the traditional Japanese style: Yes Suitable for technique training (Battodo): Yes Suitable for cutting practice (Tameshigiri): Yes Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in faux rayskin Tsuba (handguard): Brass Fuchi (collar): Brass Kashira (pommel): Brass Menuki (handle ornaments): Brass Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped in Japanese silk Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, black lacquered with hand-painted plum blossoms Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk Overall length: 103 cm / 40.5 in Blade Material: T10 steel Clay-tempered (genuine hamon): Yes Battle-ready: Yes Folded steel: Yes 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