Katana “Murasaki Ryū”

Murasaki Ryū Samurai Sword with a Genuine Clay-Tempered Hamon The hardwood saya is finished in black lacquer and decorated with a fine, irregular pattern that extends across the entire surface. Depending on the angle of the light, the pattern stands out with varying intensity against the glossy black finish, giving the saya additional depth. The braided blue and orange Japanese silk sageo provides a striking contrast. The tsuka also stands out clearly from the dark saya. A tightly wrapped layer of violet Japanese silk sits over black imitation rayskin, which remains visible through the diamond-shaped openings of the wrapping. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are crafted from brass and finished in a warm, slightly antique tone. The openwork tsuba is particularly detailed, featuring a dragon as its central motif. Raised details and darker recessed areas give the design additional depth. The gold-coloured habaki echoes the warm tone of the fittings and is decorated with a geometric pattern. The violet silk wrapping of the tsuka and the distinctive dragon motif on the tsuba give this katana its name: Murasaki Ryū (紫竜) – “Violet Dragon”. The hand-forged blade is made from T10 carbon steel and has been traditionally differentially hardened using clay. This process creates a genuine hamon that runs visibly along the cutting edge of the blade. The subsequent sand polish provides an even surface finish while allowing the temper line to stand out clearly. The blade is sharpened and suitable for cutting practice. A full tang secured within the tsuka by two mekugi provides a solid construction. The combination of hand-forged T10 carbon steel, genuine clay tempering, Japanese silk wrapping and brass fittings also makes the Murasaki Ryū technically appealing. Visually, its character is defined by the contrast between the patterned black saya, violet tsuka and warm brass tones. The genuine hamon and intricately detailed dragon tsuba complete the distinctive appearance of the sword. “One worth a thousand.” (Japanese four-character proverb) 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 imitation rayskin Tsuba (handguard): Brass Fuchi (collar): Brass Kashira (pommel): Brass Menuki (handle ornaments): Brass Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped in Japanese silk Saya (scabbard): Lacquered hardwood, 76 cm / 29.9 in 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: No Full tang: Yes (2 mekugi) Sand-polished: Yes Sharpened with Japanese water stones: No Bo-hi (blood groove): Yes Blade length: 71 cm / 28 in Blade thickness: 7 mm / 0.28 in Blade width: 3.2 cm / 1.26 in Hardness: 55–58 HRC