Z-SEY Loyal Kobuse Katana

This stunning Z-Sey katana in hues of black, red, and gold is a masterpiece that showcases the elegance of Japanese swords. Its shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from tamahagane steel using the kobuse, 甲伏せ (armor covered) lamination technique, in which a jacket of higher carbon steel (kawagane) is folded over the softer, lower carbon inner core (shingane)

The differentially hardening and clay tempering process not only produces a harder edge and more flexible spine, it also yields a beautiful gunome (waves) hamon accentuated through traditional sashikomi A++ polishing by hand. Performed by specialists using Japanese stones and oils, much time and effort is put into bringing out the maximum depth, detail, and contrast of the jihada and temper line.

This katana is fitted with an iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba; brass fuchi, kashira, and menuki; as well as red copper seppa and a two piece Yasuri style habaki. The luxurious design of this katana is further enhanced by the handmade wooden Haichi style tsuka. 

A mekugi secures the nakago to the handle, which is covered using white samegawa with a large emperor node. Tightly wrapped tsukamaki uses Japanese silk, while high quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) inserted beneath the wrap help anchor the ito in place, preventing it from shifting. Combined with the extra volume and padding the hishigami provide, the resulting grip is solid, comfortable, and longer lasting. 

The katana is then sheathed in an oil lacquered red and black saya fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri. The brass shitodome mounted on the opening of the kurigata helps protect the black Japanese silk sageo from fraying. There is an option of a handmade saya which will require an additional 4-6 weeks for its production.