Red Wakizashi Sword – 31.5" High Carbon Red Damascus Steel
The Samurai’s Companion Blade
The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword carried by samurai warriors during feudal Japan. Measuring between 12" and 24", this blade was worn alongside the katana, forming the daishō, or “big-little” sword pair. This combination symbolized samurai status, with the katana serving as the primary weapon and the wakizashi as a close-quarters backup blade.
Unlike a mere shortened katana, the wakizashi was forged with unique techniques and distinct cross-sections, making it a specialized weapon for combat, self-defense, and ceremonial purposes. Historically, it was used for:
✔ Close combat engagements
✔ Beheading defeated opponents
✔ Seppuku (ritual suicide)
While similar short swords like the yoroi tōshi and chisa-katana were also in use, the wakizashi became officially recognized during the Edo period (1638) when Japan’s rulers regulated sword lengths and ownership.
Premium Damascus Steel Blade
This wakizashi is crafted from Pattern-Welded Red Damascus Steel, a hard, heat-treated, folded carbon steel that delivers exceptional durability and sharpness. Through an intricate forging process, 11 pieces of steel are folded five times to create 352 layers, ensuring a blade that is:
- Strong and sharp, holding a razor edge
- Durable yet flexible, capable of withstanding high-impact strikes
- Visually striking, with a deep red Damascus pattern
Blade Composition:
- 6 Pieces of Carbon Steel (#43 and #40)
- 5 Pieces of 1095 High Carbon Steel – the highest carbon-content steel used in swords
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Layering Process:
- 1st Fold: 11×2 = 22 layers
- 2nd Fold: 22×2 = 44 layers
- 3rd Fold: 44×2 = 88 layers
- 4th Fold: 88×2 = 176 layers
- 5th Fold: 176×2 = 352 layers
This results in a Rockwell Hardness of 55-56 HRC, optimizing both cutting power and resilience.
Sword Specifications
- Overall Length: 31.5 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Red Damascus Steel
- Rockwell Hardness: 55-56 HRC
- Tang: Full Tang – for superior strength and balance
- Handle Material: Wood with Brass Bolsters
- Sheath: Wood & Metal
A Masterpiece of Samurai Tradition
This Red Wakizashi Sword is a blend of historical craftsmanship and modern forging techniques, making it perfect for collectors, martial artists, and sword enthusiasts. With its rich red Damascus pattern, full tang construction, and authentic wooden sheath, this blade is as striking as it is functional.