Ronin Elite Bare Blade

Ronin Elite Bare Blade

Ronin Elite katana have been traditionally forged and laminated in the soshu kitae tradition (seven panel steel). This school was developed by the legendary Japanese smith Masamune, and combines panels of hard, medium, and soft steels. The core of the blade is formed from softer, more malleable steel giving it exceptional flexibility. A layer of slightly harder steel is bonded to each side of the core to add support. The last layers are a very hard steel bonded to the top, bottom, and both sides of the core forming the ha (cutting edge) mune (back edge) and shinogi-ji (blade flats). This form of laminar construction provided for a sword that could be sharpened to a razor edge due to the hardened steed used for the ha, but was extremely resilient to battle damage due to its softer more flexible core.

Blade lamination: Soshu Kitae seven panel steel

Steel: 1095/1060/1045

Tempering: Differentially hardened (clayed) and water quenched        

Rockwell Hardness: 62 edge / 40 spine

Fittings: brass habaki

Kurikata, Koiguch, Kojirii: Polished buffalo horn                                  

Polish: Japanese finger stone polish.

Blade length: 29 inches (habaki to tip)                      

Over all length: 40.9 inches                                              

Tang: Full tang with Ronin kanji.                                  

Grip: 10 inches                              

Wrap: Lacquered wood                                                    

Saya: Lacquered natural wood with buffalo horn inserts

Ability level: Advanced dojo use (bamboo, tatami mats, etc)