Raptor Katana Shobu Zukuri

The Raptor Shobu-Zukuri (Iris Leaf) Katana blade has an elegant shape and powerful cutting ability. Notable for the absence of a Yokote transition, this blade design became popular during the Nanbokucho era (1336 ~1392 AD) and its popularity continued into the Muromachi period. The raptor series has been designed under the auspices of cutting master James Williams. The blades have been forged from 5160 high-carbon steel then mar quenched to an edge hardness of 57HRc allowing for cutting of both soft and semi-hard materials without chipping. All weapons in the Raptor line feature a full length, double pegged tang, blackened iron tsuba, a wood core handle with genuine rayskin wrapping, and a special non-stretch wrap for a firm grip and wear resistance and Raptor feather hilt ornaments. The Fuchi/Kashira fittings are blackened steel with brass ferrules (Habali). The wood saya has a non-fingerprinting textured lacquer finish.

View more from Paul Chen / Hanwei