"Shobu" Katana

The "Shobu" Katana is a warriors blade that hearkens back to the 14th century, a strong beautiful blade in the robust, classic Shobu Zukuri style. This sword is an exceptional cutting blade as the samurai proved against the Mongol invaders where this style of sword proved more effective against the Mongol armor. This style of robust shobu zukuri evolved from the naginata/nagamaki that were renowned for their strength and cutting power. Shobu Zukuri means iris leaf, which refers to the shape of the beautifully curved kissaki.

In our efforts to keep alive the Samurai past we enjoy reproducing historical blades of the samurai. This is a sword of the samurai, from a time when they were the elite warriors of Japan. It is our heaviest, most robust sword.

Our Shobu Zukuri is available in two blade lengths 28" and 30" and three tsuka lengths 11", 14", and 15" to accommodate different styles of sword practice. The tsuka is wrapped in black silk ito and the saya is gloss black. Each blade is individually hand forged from Swedish Powdered Steel but is not folded to keep the price more affordable. The sword has a gentle suguha or sometimes a gentle notare hamon both of which we we felt more appropriate given the unfolded steel and the idea of a serious, no-nonsense sword.

Swedish Powdered Steel is exceptional for it's purity and even carbon distribution. Starting then with the best steel the smith then hammer forges each sword individually. Careful heat treating produces a sword with a true martensite hamon (rockwell 60-62). The differential hardening leaves the body of the sword softer and more ductile, making it able to withstand shock in the classic Japanese tradition.

Blade Specifications
Motohaba - 1 7/16"
Sakihaba - 1 1/8"
Torisori - 7/8"

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Order By Phone (800) 437-0125