Paper Crane Katana (SH2294) Tamahagane steel

Our Paper Crane Daisho (SH2294-Katana / SH2328-Wakizashi) is without doubt the greatest achievement in sword making artistry yet available from Hanwei. The blade is crafted from Hanwei Tamahagane steel (see below) while the fittings reflect the atmosphere of the Japanese theater. The name Daisho 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.

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Paper Crane Katana Key Features:

• Tamahagane Steel Blade
• Superior Hamon and Polish
• Heirloom Quality

Specifications: (inches)

• Blade length: 28
• Handle length: 10 1/4
• Overall length: 39 1/4
• Weight: 2lb 5oz

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Functional Swords / Battle-Ready Swords

Other swords might have blades that are strong, but their swords lack balance and beauty. (They do not compare to a Hanwei!). Made of high-carbon steel and quality craftsmanship, Hanwei Japanese Swords are of the very best quality.

Hanwei-Paul Chen
If you are not familiar with Hanwei swords made by Paul Chen, here is a summary. These are likely the best brand of professional swords made today. Fully functional and battle-ready, this line of swords is highly sought after by professionals who use swords.

Why are Hanwei Japanese swords so special?

Hanwei follows strict guidelines for blade geometry and surface finish to determine the correct design that will match the intended function. Heavy cutting, fast cutting, multiple use, and Iaito all require different geometry in terms of length, weight, balance, curvature, procussion point and finish. The quality of Hanwei fittings are also given equal detail and craftsmanship. All of these factors are considered from forging to final polishing. Samurai swords by Hanwei are now regarded as state of the art, and offer the martial artist and collector an unparalleled opportunity to own a fine quality sword.

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Note: Real Armor of God.com is a Preferred Partner and authorized dealer for all Hanwei (Paul Chen) rapier swords, katanas, medieval swords and all other Hanwei-Paul Chen products. Contact us with your special Hanwei-Paul Chen needs to get special, personalized pricing. The images used herein are copyrighted and trademarked by CAS Iberia, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

Sword Cleaning Instructions Regular use of sword cleaning kits to maintain high carbon steel swords helps prevent deterioration.