This Tuoyuan Katana MKIII is the final version from Z-Sey. Starting with the MKI version, the team has continuously improved on its design and quality of materials used. Fully hand forged using ancient methods and polished, the shinogi zukuri (curved blade with the yokote and shinogi close to the mune) blade is forged from smelted steel that has been improved by Z-Sey. It is differentially hardened, clay tempered, and Sashikomi A grade polished to reveal the suguha (straight) hamon. The blade has been tested and easily cuts through tatami mats. Through the effort of the team, the sori (curvature) of the blade creates the perfect leverage to perform clean and smooth cuts.
Complementing the overall design of the katana is the iron chrysanthemum style tsuba (guard); high quality cupronickel fuchi (hilt collar) and kashira (pommel cap); blackened brass menuki (decorative ornament); red copper seppa (washer); and one piece construction copper habaki (blade collar).
The Haichi style tsuka (handle) is handmade according to the Nakago (tang) of the katana, finished with yasurime (file marks on the surface of the tang) to prevent it slipping from the handle. The mekugi (peg) on the tsuka is made to be rounded. The handle is then covered in white large particle same (rayskin) which is held in place by black silk ito (handle wrap) from Japan. The end knot of the ito is expertly finished to prevent any bumps or uneven surfaces on the handle.
The blade is sheathed in a black oil lacquered saya (scabbard) with horn koiguchi (mouth of saya), kurigata (knob for sageo), and kojiri (scabbard end cap). The white copper shitodome is mounted on the opening of the kurigata to prevent fraying of the golden brown silk sageo (carrying cord) from Japan. A handmade saya is also available, but with a minimum 2 months wait for production.
