Praying Mantis Katana (SH2359)

The Praying Mantis is a symbol of cunning and power in Japanese culture and is consequently a highly respected theme in Samurai swords. Built on our new L6-Bainite blade (detailed below) in the Shobu Zukuri style with Bo-Hi, and featuring superb koshirae, the Praying Mantis Katana is a very desirable and functional piece. The subdued green silk ito and deep brown of the lacquered saya provide handsome contrast to the dark copper and golden accents of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira. The stalking mantis lies in wait for his next prey, mirroring the power and grace in this exceptional katana.

Bainite is a structure of high-carbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics. It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few top-class master smiths, due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba (edge section) required for Katana blades.

Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process, using billets of L-6 tool steel (a very tough high-carbon low-alloy steel) as a starting point. Blades are forged and shaped in the normal way, then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.

Praying Mantis Katana Key Features:

• L6/Bainite Shobu Zukuri Blade
• Traditional Construction
• High Quality Koshirae

Specifications: (inches)

• Blade length: 29
• Handle length: 11
• Overall length: 41
• Weight: 2lb 8oz

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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.