 Paper Crane Katana (折り鶴刀)
The Paper Crane Daisho (Katana and Wakizashi) is without
doubt the greatest achievement in sword making artistry yet
available from Hanwei. The blade is crafted from Hanwei's own
Tamahagane steel (see below) while the fittings reflect the
atmosphere of the Japanese theater. The Daisho's name stems from
the origami (the art of paper folding) cranes that decorate the
striking Tsuba and Fuchi/Kashira, all of which feature
highly-prized "Nanako" or stippled backgrounds. The Menuki
feature thespian masks, a symbol shared by the Japanese theater
and its western counterpart. The Saya of the katana houses a
Kozuka (small knife) while that of the Wakizashi carries a Kogai
(hair pick) The Kozuka and Kogai are decorated with musical
instruments of the theater. The Paper Crane theme is carried to
the outstanding hand woven silk Sageo, the result of many hours
of skilled work on a hand loom.
Tamahagane steel is made by building and firing a Tatara, the traditional
Japanese sword-steel smelter. This charcoal- fired furnace produces a very pure
steel from iron sand, and this steel "Kera" or bloom can be broken and separated
into high- and low-carbon pieces, which respectively form the "skin" steel and
"core" steel of the blade. The skin steel is forged and folded repeatedly, to
remove slag inclusions and voids and is then wrapped around the core steel
before the resulting billet is forged into a blade. Careful heat treating,
shaping and polishing reveals the tight "Hada" or layer pattern of the blade and
the white particles of the "Hamon" or temper line. While this process results in
the aesthetic qualities much admired by collectors it also produces a very
functional blade, as the high carbon content of the skin steel makes a very hard
edge possible while the softer core steel gives the blade its resilience and
ability to absorb shock.
- Made by Hanwei
- Fully functional live blade Shinken Katana "real sword"
- Tamahagane Steel Blade
- Superior Hamon and Polish
- Heirloom Quality
- This katana is hand made and each is unique - size and weight will vary
- Blade length: 28"
- Handle length: 10 1/4"
- Overall length: 39 1/4"
- Weight: 2lb 5oz
- Half price sharpening and maintenance for life
- Free Shipping (continental US only)
- 90 day money back guarantee (see details)
- Folded Katana Price List
- Matching Wakizashi
- See detailed size and weight for all shinken
The Paper Crane fits in a totally different
class compared with standard production katana.
Gone is the stark contrast of an enhanced temper
line. It a has a traditional polish that
reveals subtle details of the steel.
We give the craftsmen at the Hanwei forge two
thumbs up.
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The fittings on the Paper Crane are awesome.
The other Hanwei fittings are nicely done, but
these really stand out. Great relief with
a clean finish. The silver Noh mask menuki
peaking from between the silk ito is a great
touch.
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Click thumbnail to see full size picture
We do not sell weapons to anyone under the age
of 18 without permission and consent of a parent or legal guardian. These are
real weapons and not toys. They are very sharp and should always be treated with
care. Be careful to never put yourself or
anyone else in danger. Nihonzashi LLC, its employees, and associated companies are not responsible for any injury, damage or loss incurred by use or miss-use of any merchandise
sold on this site. It is the purchasers responsibility to comply to local, state
and federal laws and/or statutes. Purchase of merchandise implies agreement and
compliance to the above.
- FREE Shipping on any purchase over $150
(continental USA only, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- INTERNATIONAL customers click
here for shipping quotes and payments
- 90 day money back guarantee (see details)
- Lifetime 1/2 Price Sharpening and Repair on
any Shinken or Iaito Katana
- All shinken are shipped double boxed and
insured
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