The Shobu Zukuri (iris leaf) 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.

Blade: Forged from 5160 high-carbon steel, differentially tempered and marquenched to an edge hardness of 57HRc.

Tang (nakago): Full length, double pegged.

Ferrule (habaki): Brass

Handle (tsuka): Wood core, genuine rayskin (Same), special non-stretch sueded wrap (tsuka-ito) for firm grip and wear resistance. Raptor feathers hilt ornament (menuki).

Guard (tsuba): Traditional blackened iron, Raptor motif.

Fittings (fuchi/kashira): Blackened steel, Raptor motif.

Scabbard (saya): Wood, non-fingerprinting textured lacquer finish.

The Raptor series is Paul Chen / Hanwei's new line of test-cutting focused katanas. The blades are forged 5160 high-carbon steel heat treated to produce very high resilience and greater tolerance of misdirected cuts than a conventionally tempered blade. The edge geometry is configured to facilitate the cutting of both soft and semi-hard materials without chipping, allowing the cutter a wide choice of targets. Tatami mats are, of course, the test-cutting (tameshigiri) target of choice, but the raptor series blades are equally suited to tameshigiri on soda bottles, pool noodles, flying pizza boxes, heavy cardboard, and other cutting targets that are more easily available to the modern practitioner.

length: 45 1/2"
blade: 29"
grip and pommel: 13"
weight: 2 lb 12 oz

Price: $325