Hanwei Celestial Katana

The Celestial Katana melds the forms of the roiling and rhythmic waves of the deep sea with the timeless movements of the Celestial bodies; thus merging sea, stars and the tide pools of the galaxy into entwined imagery and layered theme. Rendered in the earthy iron fittings of this Katana, these powerful symbols represent the ebb and flow of time and place and thus the Samurai finds and maintains his balance within the greater cyclic rhythm of harmonious creation between both the heavens and the deeps of the sea.

The blade of the Hanwei Celestial Katana is forged from L6 Bainite high carbon steel; a highly durable and resilient performance steel, L6 is demanding to work with and thus its creation for Katana is the reserve of Hanweis top-class bladesmiths. Great care was needed not only to heat treat the L6 into its Bainite phase for the blade, but also to give its edge a very hard Martensite crystalline structure when differentially tempered – this edge of hardened steel is noted by its relatively straight hamon line which was kept calm and tranquil to match the serene tone of the Katana as a whole. The katana is well-balanced and the use of L6 steel ensures that the katana not only looks magnificent, but also performs with excellence.

The tsuba, fuchi and kashira fittings are high quality iron castings which are rich in detail; both sides of the tsuba depict the oceans waves lapping against immovable rock. Picked out in its details are small orbs of brass and silver – the planets and stars within the sea-like whirls of the galaxy. The habaki and seppa are silvered and the tsuka grip is well formed and crafted from carved and carefully contoured hardwood. Panels of genuine rayskin are inlaid into the tsuka which was then skillfully knotted over with black cotton ito cord. Beneath these knotted folds are a pair of vibrant menuki crafted in the form of planets and moons whose detailing is picked out in shining copper, brass and silver.

The saya scabbard is crafted to fit from wood and is finished with a brilliant silver-flecked lacquer in homage to the moon and stars. Carved and well polished fittings of quality buffalo horn comprise the kojiri, kurikata and koiguchi of the saya. A well knotted premium sageo cord in navy blue and white completes the sword.

Included with the sword is a cloth sword bag for storage and transport, as well as a wood boxed Hanwei Traditional Japanese sword maintenance kit with care instructions.