Shobu Katana

Here is a warriors blade that hearkens back to the 14th century, a strong beautiful blade in the 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 blade is believed to have evolved from the naginata/nagamaki that were renowned for their cutting power.

In our efforts to keep alive the Samurai past we enjoy reproducing historical blades of the samurai. Many of these swords and styles are no longer available in modern Japan. This is a sword of the samurai, from a time when they were the elite warriors of Japan.

Our Shobu Zukuri is available in three blade lengths -- 28", 29" and 30" with three tsuka lengths 13", 14" and 15" to accommodate different styles of sword practice. The handle is hand wrapped with premium black Japanese cotton ito. Each blade is individually hand forged from Swedish Powdered Steel that is not folded. 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. Shobu Zukuri means iris leaf, which refers to the shape of the beautifully curved kissaki.