length: 27 1/2"
blade: 20"
grip and pommel: 6 3/4"
weight: 1 lb 10 oz

Each piece in the Golden Oriole series (katana and wakizashi) has a hand-forged 1065 high-carbon steel blade, differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. Edge hardness is 60HRC, back hardness 40HRC. It has been said that in simplicity lies great beauty, an axiom stunningly validated by the Golden Oriole katana and wakizashi. The story told by the stunning tsuba is of a mantis stealthily stalking the cricket, unaware that he is himself being stalked by the Golden Oriole. The deeply lacquered blue of the saya is repeated in the Japanese cotton tsuka-ito, and the Oriole appears again on the kashira. The 14" tsuka of the katana gives a superb balance to the sword, allowing it to move very quickly and very freely. Supplied with a protective cloth bag and traditional maintenance kit. The Golden Oriole series consists of a matched katana and wakizashi.

Price: $490