John Lee Shirasaya Katana, Light

Delight in John Lee Shirasaya Katana, Light

John lee shirasaya katana (light)

Hand-forged samurai sword from the John Lee series

Masterpieces of Asian blacksmithing

- The sword blades are hand-forged from 1045 carbon steel and traditionally hardened.

- The tapered blades have been provided with a bo-hi (channel) to reduce weight.

- The sword's ribs are extra long and attached to the handle with two bamboo pegs (mekugi). This means the sword can be completely disassembled.

- The blade clamps (habaki) are made of metal.

- The handles and covers (saya) are made of wood.

Shirasaya was a special type of sword stand designed to better and more gently store the blade overnight or when it wasn't in use for long periods. The advantage of untreated magnolia wood was its low acid content and the absence of other ingredients that could damage the blade. It wasn't treated afterward; instead, it absorbed the resulting moisture from the sword and directed it outward. The katana remained dry and did not rust.

Shirasaya were often provided with an inscription ('sayagaki') containing information about the blade, such as its origin, place and time of forging, and the name of the smith and expert. Since the Emperor banned the carrying of blades in the late 19th century, all decoration around the handle and tsuba was reduced, creating the shirasaya costume we know today. The wearer was not particularly noticeable due to the katana's similarity to a sword or wooden staff, and had a specific way of carrying it.



Details:

- Blade material: carbon steel

- Handle length: approx. 28cm

- Blade length: approx. 72.5 cm

- Total length: (without cover) approx. 100.5cm

- Weight: (without case) approx. 940g

This item is also available in a black version (item no. 0106857460)

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