Raptor Katana – Moroha Zukuri

Description of the Product

The Raptor-series Katanas come in several different blade designs. This Raptor Katana has a Moroha Zukuri blade type. Forged in the Kissaki Moro Ha Zukuri style, the blade design of this Moroha Zukuri Katana is based on a Tachi blade believed to have been forged around 800 AD by the smith Amakuni, though many similar blades have been produced in later Japanese history. The style is seen as a link between the old Ken straight swords and the curved Tachi (and later Katana). The style is unusual in having a back edge on the top half of the blade, with fullers starting where this edge finishes and continuing to the hilt. We have deliberately left this back edge unsharpened for the benefit of Iaido practitioners used to working with more conventional blade styles. With a blade length of just 66.7 cm, this sword is very quick and is ideal for multiple cuts in light targets.

The Raptor series has been designed by the cutting master James Williams. It was created for the practitioner who does not necessarily have access to bamboo mats but who wishes to practice and perfect his cutting technique. The blades are forged in 5160 high-carbon steel and are specially quenched and tempered to produce a very high resilience and a greater tolerance of misdirected cuts than a conventional differentially hardened blade. This spring steel structure also avoids the need for excessive thickness, allowing the blades to replicate the weight and handling characteristics of Japanese originals. The edge geometry is configured to facilitate the cutting of both soft and semi-hard materials without chipping, allowing the cutter a wide choice of targets.

The Raptor katana blade is forged from high quality 5160 high-carbon steel and marquenched to an edge hardness of 57HRC to create a durable martensite steel structure. The tang (nakago) is full length and double pegged. The Tsuka (handle) has a wood core, and is covered in genuine same (rayskin). The Tsuka-ito is special non-stretch suede wrap for firm grip and wear resistance. Menuki, the grip-enhancing brass ornament, feature Raptor feathers. The Tsuba is of traditional blackened iron with a Raptor motif. Fuchi and Kashira, the fittings at both ends of the handle, are blackened steel with Raptor motif. The Saya (scabbard) is wood with non-fingerprinting textured lacquer finish.

The Wakizashi and Tanto of the Raptor series are matching pieces for this katana, but also very effective cutting tools in their own right. These pieces will allow the cutting practitioner to perfect techniques for each of the three weapons. They are made in the blade style of James Williams' personal Nami Ryu swords, and they complete an impressive display.

Included is traditional black cloth bag to keep your sword in pristine condition when in storage or while transporting. Made by Hanwei. Specs can vary slightly from piece to piece.