East Asian katana/mandau












Measurements
length: 25 1/2"
blade: 18 3/4"
blade width: 1 1/4"
grip: 6"
weight (mandau): 1 lb 9.8 oz
weight (companion knife): 2.4 oz
weight (sword, knife, scabbard): 2 lb 3.6 oz

A truely intriguing set of weapons. This is a turn-of-the-century Japanese katana with a hand forged laminated blade that has been converted into an east Asian mandau. The blade still maintains the original habaki, and both the habaki and tang are stamped "358". Heavy bone-cleaving blade is 5/16" thick at the spine, and the lamination layers and hamon line are clearly evident. The grip/handle is of European stag horn. The companion knife, or "boyo" is of the same laminated steel, originally the tip of the katana, mounted in a deer antler grip. The sheath that holds the pair is cherry wood. A magnificent rendition of a traditional parang nabur/parang latok styled combat mandau, reclaimed from a very thick Japanese katana that had been unfortunately twisted by a previous owner who must have been attempting to use it as a crowbar. Even treasure-grade katana won't stand up to that abuse ... this sword was saved/reclaimed/reworked by weaponsmith Tom Hyle of Colorado.

sold