Z-SEY Hitatsura Katana

Noble and refined, this katana’s kesho polished shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from Z-Sey’s improved smelted steel, differentially heat treated and clay tempered to produce a harder cutting edge while maintaining a more resilient, shock absorbing body. This process also reveals a rare hitatsura, 皆焼 (full temper) hamon where hardened areas extend beyond the cutting edge, scattering across the blade’s body. It is historically associated with the Soshū tradition which flourished during the late Kamakura period for producing some of the most expressive hamon in Japanese sword history. Among them are blades by Sengo Muramasa, whose work is renowned today.

This katana is equipped with an iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba with mitsudomoe. This emblem with three swirling commas has many layered meanings, embodying the: Shinto trinity of heaven, earth, and humanity; life cycle of past, present, and future; or the unity of mind, body, and spirit. Its connection to Hachiman, the deity of war and archery, has also led to its adoption by samurai clans on their banners, armor, or family crests. The matching blackened brass fuchi and kashira with hana karakusa (floral vines) motifs represent prosperity and longevity. Other fittings include copper seppa and habaki. 

One mekugi secures the nakago within the wooden handmade Haichi style tsuka. White samegawa with a normal emperor node covers the handle and tightly wrapped katatemaki (battle wrap) uses Japanese cowhide ito. This style features hishigata (diamond windows) near the guard and pommel, while the central section has a flat, parallel weave over concealed blackened brass menuki, providing a smooth grip that is extremely comfortable and distributes pressure evenly. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) beneath the wrap prevents the ito from sliding and shifting, ensuring the grip remains solid and durable. 

The glossy black oil lacquered saya with partial rayskin pattern has horn fittings (koiguchi, kojiri, kurigata), white copper shitodome, and green silk sageo from Japan.