Ronin Elite Katana #268

Ronin Elite Katana #268

This Ronin Elite katana has 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: Traditionally themed tsuba fuchi, kashira, and menuki

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: Silk ito over genuine ray skin.                                                   

Saya: Silk sageo buffalo horn inserts

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