This red katana is a hand forged, full tang Japanese style sword with a clay tempered blade of high carbon 1095 steel. It measures 40.5 inches overall, features brass bolsters and a wooden handle wrapped in red, and includes a matching wood and leather sheath. The clay tempering process hardens the edge to 56 to 58 HRC while leaving the spine flexible, producing a battle-ready blade with a visible hamon along the edge.
The katana is the iconic sword of the samurai, defined by its curved, single edged blade, circular or squared guard (tsuba), and long grip sized for two hands. By tradition, the name katana applies to blades of this style longer than 24 inches. Western historians have ranked the katana among the finest swords in world military history.
History of the Katana
The katana emerged in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), evolving from the earlier tachi, a longer and more deeply curved sword worn edge down by mounted warriors. As warfare shifted toward close quarters combat on foot, samurai began wearing shorter, less curved blades edge up through the belt (obi). This carry method allowed a warrior to draw and strike in a single motion, a technique that shaped Japanese swordsmanship for centuries.
During the Muromachi and Sengoku periods, near constant warfare drove enormous demand for katana, and Japan's swordsmithing traditions matured into regional schools with distinct forging styles. The Edo period (1603 to 1868) brought peace, and the katana became as much a symbol of samurai status and honor as a weapon. Paired with the shorter wakizashi, it formed the daisho, the two sword set that only the samurai class was permitted to wear.
The Meiji Restoration ended the samurai class, and the Haitorei edict of 1876 banned the public wearing of swords. Yet the katana endured as a cultural treasure. Today, traditional Japanese swordsmithing is a protected craft, and the katana remains the most recognized sword in the world, prized by collectors for the same qualities that defined it 800 years ago: a hard, keen edge, a resilient body, and unmistakable elegance.
Blade Materials: Why 1095 High Carbon Steel
1095 is the highest carbon steel commonly used in swords. Its 0.95% carbon content is more than double that of the widely used 1045 steel (0.45% carbon), giving 1095 exceptional hardness and edge retention.
High carbon content comes with a tradeoff. On its own, 1095 lacks the flexibility a sword needs to absorb hard impacts without breaking. Our smiths solve this the same way Japanese smiths have for centuries: clay tempering (differential hardening). Before quenching, clay is painted thickly over the entire blade except the edge. During the quench, the insulated steel cools slowly and stays softer and more flexible, while the exposed edge cools rapidly and hardens fully to 56 to 58 HRC.
The result is a blade with two personalities in one piece of steel: a razor sharp, wear resistant edge backed by a shock absorbing spine. Clay tempering also produces the hamon, the wave like temper line along the edge that collectors prize as the visual signature of a differentially hardened blade.
Sword Details
- Overall Length: 40.5"
- Blade Material: High Carbon 1095 Steel, clay tempered
- Edge Hardness: 56 to 58 HRC
- Tang: Full tang
- Guard: Tsuba with brass bolsters
- Handle: Wood, wrapped in red
- Sheath: Wood and leather
Frequently Asked Questions
What steel is this katana made from? The blade is forged from 1095 high carbon steel (0.95% carbon) and clay tempered to an edge hardness of 56 to 58 HRC.
Is this katana battle-ready? Yes. It is a fully functional, hand forged sword with a full tang and a differentially hardened high carbon steel blade, not a decorative wall hanger.
Does this katana have a real hamon? Yes. The hamon is produced naturally by the clay tempering process, not acid etched or printed on.
What is included with the sword? The katana ships with a matching wood and leather sheath.
How long is this katana? The sword measures 40.5 inches overall.
This is one of the hand-forged katanas we make in 1095 and Damascus steel. See every katana sword in the collection, or read our guide to choosing a katana for what to look for in the steel and fittings.
