Shobu Zukuri Katana

"Shobu" Katana

The "Shobu" Katana is a warriors blade that hearkens back to the 14th century, a strong beautiful blade in the robust, classic Shobu Zukuri style. This sword is an exceptional cutting blade as the samurai proved against the Mongol invaders where this style of sword proved more effective against the Mongol armor. This style of robust shobu zukuri evolved from the naginata/nagamaki that were renowned for their strength and cutting power. Shobu Zukuri means iris leaf, which refers to the shape of the beautifully curved kissaki.

In our efforts to keep alive the Samurai past we enjoy reproducing historical blades of the samurai. This is a sword of the samurai, from a time when they were the elite warriors of Japan. It is our heaviest, most robust sword.

Our Shobu Zukuri is available in two blade lengths 28" and 30" and three tsuka lengths 11", 14", and 15" to accommodate different styles of sword practice. The tsuka is wrapped in black silk ito and the saya is gloss black. Each blade is individually hand forged from Swedish Powdered Steel but is not folded to keep the price more affordable. The sword has a gentle suguha or sometimes a gentle notare hamon both of which we we felt more appropriate given the unfolded steel and the idea of a serious, no-nonsense sword.

Swedish Powdered Steel is exceptional for it's purity and even carbon distribution. Starting then with the best steel the smith then hammer forges each sword individually. Careful heat treating produces a sword with a true martensite hamon (rockwell 60-62). The differential hardening leaves the body of the sword softer and more ductile, making it able to withstand shock in the classic Japanese tradition.

Blade Specifications
Motohaba - 1 7/16"
Sakihaba - 1 1/8"
Torisori - 7/8"

ALSO AVAILABLE!

Shobu Wakizashi

Shobu Tanto

Order By Phone (800) 437-0125

Availability Information!

Most sword vendors sell the same generic swords as every other vendor. Bugei Trading, however, felt that swords should be designed by experienced swordsmen and sword craftsmen to ensure they would meet higher standards of functionality as well as historical accuracy. To this end Bugei provides unprecedented selection in terms of tsuka (handle) length and nagasa (sword length) for our customers, something you just don't find anywhere else. We recognize that our customers are serious about their swords and may need a very specific configuration in their sword. Sometimes a generic sword just isn't good enough. Since we offer such a variety of configuration options for each sword in our exclusive line it is possible we will be sold out of some configurations.

If we do not have a specific sword you ordered in stock and available for immediate delivery we will contact you by phone or e-mail to discuss your options. Many customers find that while we may be out of stock of one particular item, we may have another configuration that could meet their needs. So if you are somewhat flexible, be sure to ask about what we might have in stock or on special.

Of course if you have your heart set on a specific sword with a specific configuration we will make sure the factory knows to make an additional sword ASAP to fill your order. We order new stock on a regular basis throughout the year. If we do not have the sword you need in stock we will take a $500 deposit to reserve a sword in an upcoming order specifically for you. The balance will not be billed until your sword is here, inspected and ready to ship to you.