Raptor Wakizashi

Description of the Product

Wakizashi is a short Japanese sword that has a slight curve to its blade. Wakizashi became most commonly know from the hips of the Samurai who wore a Wakizashi or Tanto in addition to the longer Katana. This combination of two weapons is called Daisho, which means as a direct translation big and small. This combination of two weapons was allowed only for the Samurai who ruled Feudal Japan for almost 700 years and this was their symbol of power and prestige.

Before the 14th Century a Samurai was mainly a riding archer and the armor of the Samurai was also designed to be used on top of the horse against arrows. Samurai would engage the enemy in close combat only if victory wasn’t determined with arrows. At this point a sword was used single-handed and as it is very difficult to kill someone dressed in armor riding a horse they often would end up wrestling on top of the horses and falling down. At this point a Samurai would present his Wakizashi or a long dagger to thrust into the armor gaps of the opponent.

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 Wakizashi 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 sueded 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 Katana and Tanto of the Raptor series are matching pieces for this Wakizashi, 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: 67,9 cm
• Blade length: 48,5 cm
• Handle length: 16,9 cm
• Weight: 680 g
• Point of Balance: 7,8 cm
• Width at Guard: 3,3 cm
• Width at Tip: 2,0 cm
• Thickness at Guard: 6,9 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 4,7 mm
• Blade material: 5160 Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Very sharp