Raptor Katana – Shobu Zukuri

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 Raptor-series Katanas come in three different blade designs. This Raptor Katana has a Shobu Zukuri (Iris Leaf) blade type, known for its elegant shape and powerful cutting ability. The most notable feature of this blade type is the absence of Yokote. Yokote is the transition point from the main blade to the tip (kissaki) that commonly can be seen as a visible line where the tip starts. Shobu Zukuri blade design became popular during the Nanbokucho Era (1336 ~1392 AD) and its popularity continued into the later Muromachi period.

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.

• Overall length: 109.5 cm
• Blade length: 73.1 cm
• Handle length: 33.5 cm
• Weight: 1.28 kg
• Point of Balance: 11.8 cm
• Width at Guard: 3.2 cm
• Width at Tip: 2.2 cm
• Thickness at Guard: 7.4 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 5.3 mm
• Blade material: 5160 Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Very sharp