Nepali katana
length: 35"
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.
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
11/30/01