-Masurao Custom 1095 Chôji DRAGON TSUBA Limited Quantity Manufacturer: Masurao SKU: C300_D Price: $729.99 This item is in stock Quantity:

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The first evolutionary design in our search for the perfect choji hamon that we know are good enough to place for sale on our site. We only have a very limited number of these unique katanas, and are pricing them for a quick turnover. They have been evaluated and tested and have undoubtedly passed. Do not miss this chance to own a superior quality, unique katana at a fantastic price.

What makes these Katanas special and unique, is that they are completed with a detailed Chôji Hamon pattern. This pattern has been designed from our research, and is historically accurate. Based on the work from the Bizen school of smiths, ranging from the 1100's through the 1300's, this is the original style of the Choji hamon. Based on what would be called a ko-madare-notare hamon, this hamon is the precursor to the modern choji style. Let it be seen that this Hamon pattern is very detailed, allowing the viewer to actually see the choji ashi within. No two Hamon patterns are identical.

In the making of a Chôji pattern, an intricate design is artistically applied with a clay mixture, to the blade. This detailed design can then be seen after firing and quenching of the blade. Within this particular hamon, there is much activity to be seen. There is found to be effects of both Nioi and Nie in our particular blades pattern. These are terms that describe the two instances of crystalline effect known as martensite, in the Western metallurgical terminology.

As was stated before, no two hamon patterns are alike, as the application of the clay is by trained hand, they may be similar but not duplicated. These blades are No Bo-Hi, and are to be considered medium to heavy cutters for Tameshigiri. The Hamon is higher up towards the Shinogiji, causing an increase in the blades stability and also giving a larger cutting area. There is also more Niku in the blade. You will be hard pressed to find a similar design of this quality, at this price, if at all. As of this forging, there are a very limited number to be had.

This package will include a storage box, silk sword bag, maintenance kit and stand. Everything that you need to get started.

The specifications of the blades are as follows:

Nagasa (Blade Length) 28 1/2"

Sori (Curvature) .75"

Moto-Kasane (Thickness) 5/16"

Saki-Haba (Width at tip) 21 mm

Moto-Haba (Width at base) 31 mm

Balance Point (Measured from Habaki) 5"

Total Weight (Without Saya) 1068 Grams or 37.6 ounces

Tsuba = Iron

Habaki = Brass

Seppa = Brass

Tsuka Length is 27cm (10 1/2").

Please Add to cart the correct tsuba choice. IE; Dragon, Sukashi, Tiger

Katana Review: Destiny blade 1095 Ko-choji

Blade style: Shinogi-zukuri

Nagasa: 28 ½”

Sori: ¾”

Sori style: Tori-zori

Nakago: 8 5/8”

Mekugi ana: 2 pegs

Tsuka: 10 1/2” Haichi shape

Same: Paneled

Tsuka ito: Synthetic silk

Tsuba: Gold and silver highlighted

Menuki: Silver Soten style

Fuchi/ kashira: Gold and silver highlighted

Hada: Muji-none

Polish: Stone ground

Hamon: Clay/water tempered

Hamon pattern:Early choji style Ko-notare with midare & togariba

Hamon style developed in early 1500 seen in the Yamashiro and bizen schools

Comments/observations:

At first look of the katana it looked like other Japanese style swords but after unsheathing it I found a unique and different style of nicely seen clay tempered hamon. Having done antique Japanese sword restoration I could identify the style it replicated from early Bizen works I have seen. This caught my eye right away, the next was no bo-hi which seems to be found on most Chinese production swords.

I like the feel and balance of this blade with a more robust feel and not dainty like other swords that are light due to bo-hi. The hamon follows to the kisaki and has a prominent boshi that follows to the point and does not run to close to the edge.

The yokote is not a true feature of this sword but most are not, many of antique Japanese sword did not have a change in geometry in the kissaki as has been thought and talked about.

The hamon is not brightened by etching to make a frosty white pattern to replicate a hadori polish found on Japanese swords which I prefer to see all that is really in the blade.

The tsuka is more to a traditional feeling in that it is not overly long for the length of the blade and has a slight inward tapering on the top called haichi style. The ito maki is done in a traditional hinerimaki diamond style of a synthetic silk blend and feels good but as in many Chinese swords the wrapping is not done in a proper Japanese fashion.

The sword responds good both in kata and cutting exercise and is compared to a medium to heavy cutter. For a functional katana with a unique historic hamon style that comes with a presentation box, sword bag and cleaning kit the price compared to the market is a good deal.

Sensei Brian Dreier

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