Hanwei Wakizashi Kaeru Frog Hand-Forged

Hanwei's Kaeru Wakizashi is a charming and alluring piece with a blade forged from K120C steel, a material known for its homogeneity and even carbon distribution. After differential treatment and clay tempering, this blade with chi-kissaki performs similarly to 1095 high carbon steel, but with improved durability and edge retention. An added benefit of this process is the prominent midareba hamon that accentuates the appearance of the sword. This blade also has a bohi that helps to reduce the overall weight of the sword while improving its point of balance, allowing for quick and agile strikes.

As expected from its name, this wakizashi is equipped with a kaku maru gata (square with rounded corners) tsuba cast in stainless steel, patina'd like blackened iron, and features a frog and a lily pad, detailed in gold and silver. "Frog" or "Kaeru" in Japanese, although written differently, is pronounced the same way as "to return", making it a symbol of luck and good fortune, so good energy returns. Since they are believed to bring rain that is required for healthy and abundant harvests, frogs are also associated with fertility, energy, and perseverance. With a beautiful meaning behind them, the frog motif is carried over in the fuchi featuring a frog while the kashira has a lotus flower. The habaki is a one-piece brass construction.

The tsuka is inlaid with high quality white same and wrapped tightly with premium dark blue Japanese cotton tsuka ito. Completing the design is a deep black lacquered saya fitted with a koiguchi, kojiri, and kurigata made of polished buffalo horn. Complementing the theme of the frog is the elegantly woven dark blue and moss green silk sageo. Note that sageo colors may vary.