Raptor Katana -Unokubi Zukuri

The Raptor-series katanas come in several different blade designs. This Raptor Katana has an Unokubi-Zukuri (Cormorant's Neck) blade design (also called Nagamaki Naoshi). It is patterned after the shape of the Nagamaki, a powerful long-handled sword popular between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Unokubi-Zukuri blade type is notable for its strongly relieved shinogi-ji (the flat section of the blade). Usually the mune, the back of the blade, remains thick all the way to the yokote. In Unokubi zukuri blade shape the back starts thick, but tapers for 2/3 of the total length of the blade, making it lighter. Looking down on the blade the back begins thick as the back of a cormorant, then narrows into the neck of the bird, before widening back into the cormorants head towards the tip of the sword. The tapered section where the blade is much thinner has an effect on the weight and balance of the katana, making it faster. This sword also has a diamond-shaped kissaki (tip of the blade). The Unokubi-Zukuri Katana provides excellent balance in a strong cutting blade.

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 still 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.

• Overall length: 108.2 cm
• Blade length: 71.5 cm
• Handle length: 33.5 cm
• Weight: 1.24 kg
• Point of Balance: 10.6 cm
• Width at Guard: 3.5 cm
• Width at Tip: 2.6 cm
• Thickness at Guard: 7 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 5,7 mm
• Blade material: 5160 Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Very sharp