Z-SEY Hira Zukuri Katana (Folded Steel)

As its name implies, Z-Sey's Hira Zukuri Katana has a hira zukuri (nearly flat blade without shinogi or yokote) blade forged from high quality folded steel, differentially hardened, clay tempered, and Sashikomi Grade A+. The blade has a bo-hi / kaki nagashi (continuous straight groove of notable width that tapers to a pointed end halfway down the tang). This groove helps to reduce the overall weight of the sword while improving its point of balance.

The katana is fitted with a maru gata (round) iron tsuba; blackened brass fuchi kashira; cupronickel menuki, seppa, and Yasurime style habaki. The handmade haichi style tsuka is covered in large emperor node samegawa and wrapped in blue Japanese silk ito.

It comes sheathed in a dark red nashiji saya fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, kojiri; cupronickel shitodome, and blue Japanese silk sageo. The term "nashiji" translates to "pear skin pattern", a finish that imitates the skin of the Asian pear, as can be seen in images of the saya.