Description of the Product Sengoku Bushō Shinken sword originally got its design from the Tachi swords of earlier periods of Japanese history, but also has katana-style features. This Shinken Sword is a weapon of high ranking samurai of Sengoku period and therefore more impressive what it comes to decoration. It is made of 1095 steel and operates as a katana. Samurai weapons of Sengoku Busho The Sengoku period was one of the most warfilled eras in feudal Japan, lasting for about 140 long years from 1467 to the start of 1600's. During this period of warring states and constant warfare in Japan there were high ranking samurai and officers called the Sengoku Bushō. Sengoku Bushō also acted as bodyguards for the rulers as they needed constant protection from the assassins of opposing states. Quite often, the weapons the Sengoku Bushō carried were more decorative and expensive, in order to address their higher ranking status. For this reason this sword is decorated with antique finished brass details; gorgeous embellished harnesses fitted on the saya and kashira as well as a flower patterned fuchi and koiguchi. Features of Sengoku Busho Shinken Sword The Sengoku Bushō Shinken sword originally got its idea from the Tachi swords of earlier periods of Japanese history. The designer wanted to keep the effective Koshi Sori-like deep curvature of the blade most common to Tachi, along with some of its other elements as well, e.g. the harnesses on the scabbard and the Tachi style koshirae. This handforged 1095 steel hybrid though is to be carried like a katana, as well as drawn and fought with the style and techniques developed for katana in the Sengoku period. This sword has the deepest Sori (curvature) yet of all of our swords ensuring maximum cutting power and efficiency with less force. The wide full length bo-hi (blood groove) continues all the way to the Yokote line, which separates the rest of the nagasa from our appealing trademark; the O-kissaki tip. The wide bo-hi lightens and stiffens the blade, providing effortless handling. Flaming, vivid and extremely visible; the sanbon-suki style hamon is unlike any other BattleBlades sword. In contrast to the imposing nagasa (blade) and gorgeous flaming hamon line, we added a simplified brass habaki. Even though the tsuka (handle) has many distinctive characteristics from the Muromachi era Tachi swords, like the tsuba and kabuto gane style antique finished kashira, the tsuka shape itself is a bit more katana-like. Delicate Rikko (hourglass) shape along with Tsumami Maki silk wrapping guarantees a firm and secure grip when wielding the weapon. The length of the tsuka on the other hand is similar to a Tachi; meant for a more spaced out two hand grip. When gripping the sword with two hands, the customized antique finished brass menuki fit perfectly into the palm securing a firm grasp. The dark brown Ito is secured with customized flower patterned antique plated brass fuchi and kashira, both beautifully framing the black rayskin peeking from underneath the Ito. Regardless of the decorative elements on this sword, we can guarantee that the balance this Shinken Sword is right on the spot and set for heavy tameshigiri. The Sengoku Bushō Shinken scabbard is truly a masterpiece; curved to the maximum, fully unique and unlike anything seen before. The impressive brass fittings on the sword being a cherry on top of the cake. Thanks to the perfectly fitted seppa plates and koiguchi, the sword truly snaps into and out of its saya, leaving absolutely zero gap between the parts. The high grade dark brown silk Sageo is secured on the saya with a buffalo horn kurigata. The black buffalo horn kurigata adds a nice contrast to the lacquered light brown hardwood saya. The natural knots in the hardwood give the sword a distinctive and luxurious look. The antique brass semegane and sayajiri (cap) at the end of the saya, characteristical to Tachi, bring the whole design together. Guaranteed BattleBlades quality. Comes with an embroidered BattleBlades silk sword bag as well as a serial numbered certificate of authenticity. SPECIFICATIONS: Overall length: 100.6 cm / 39.6 in / 3.32 Shaku Blade/Nagasa: 72.2 cm / 28.43 in / 2.38 Shaku Handle/Tsuka: 27.5 cm / 10.83 in Blade width at Guard/Motohaba: 3.1 cm / 1.22 in Blade width at Tip/Sakihaba: 2.3 cm / 0.91 in Blade thickness at Guard/Kasane: 7 mm / 0.28 in Blade thickness at Tip/Sakikasane: 3 mm / 0.12 in Blade/Nagasa material: Clay tempered hand forged 1095 steel Scabbard/Saya material: Hardwood - Buffalo Horn - Silk - Antiqued Brass Handle/Tsuka material: Hardwood - Stingray Skin - Silk Guard/Tsuba material: Brass Weight without scabbard/saya: 1.09 kg / 2.4 lbs Sharpness: Very sharp Manufacturer: BattleBlades
