Handcrafted in a small town nestled in the Longquan mountains of China’s Zhejiang province, where the tradition of skilled swordmaking began over 2,000 years ago. Every part of this sword is expertly crafted by highly skilled smiths using centuries-old methods. The blade is pattern welded, with most of the blade Rockwelling in the 40-45 HRC range and about 35 HRC at the guard. The simulated hamon is expertly applied by an artisan. Each blade is honed and must be able to cleanly cut through a sheet of paper before it leaves the factory.
The tsuba and pommel are emblazoned with Dragonflies. To the Samurai, the Dragonfly was a symbol of fearlessness, swiftness and courage; they were believed to bring soldiers strength and protection. Japan is also known as the Island of the Dragonfly or Akitsushima (akitsu is the Japanese word for dragonfly and shima means island). The tsuba, pommel and the fuchigashira (the collar next to the tsuba) are made of brass and given an aged finish.
The grip is genuine Rayskin wrapped with cord, and the wood scabbard has a striking flat, mottled copper colored finish with an equally striking black and tan cord wrap. Includes cotton storage bag.