Nepali katana













length: 35"
blade: 25" (incl. habaki)
blade width: 1 1/16"
grip: 9 3/4"
guard: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
balance point: 3" above guard

Insanely tough and beautiful katana-styled sword custom made for a friend by Himalayan Imports of Nepal. The weapon is completely hand-made by expert weaponsmiths. Blade is zone hardened spring steel at 58-60 Rockwell, grip is carved slabs of buffalo horn done in the Chiruwa style. The scabbard is quite ornately inlaid horn and nickel silver. This ain't no wall hanger sword for geeky samurai-wannabes, it's a beautiful and seriously solid sword made for hard use (preferably tameshigiri and not death duels or waving about in airports). Critical reviews and construction details can be gleaned from discussion forum threads at Bladeforum here and here.


11/30/01