Limited to a mere 100 swords worldwide, the Bamboo Katana is the third sword of Citadels Limited Edition series.
Crafted from 1075 steel, this katana has a long bo-hi groove to reduce weight in the thickest part of the sword; this reduces weight and sacrifices little blade strength because this gives the spine a profile akin to an I-beam – an efficient shape for reducing weight whilst retaining structural integrity. As a bonus, the bo-hi groove disrupts the flow of air over the blade as it strikes, giving a distinctively audible whoosh sound as it slices the air. This is called the Tachikaze – The Sword Wind. A keen ear will notice that the sound differs depending on what angle the blade is swung, and thus will know if his edge was properly aligned in the swing.
The blade, as evidenced by its uniformly wave-like notare hamon, is differentially tempered with the traditional clay process. The hamon is distinct and quite visible.
The tsuba is hand-cut, shaped and engraved from pure iron. Its nanako stippled pattern was done by a very patient hand. The tsuba has seki-gane inserts of copper that are designed to be more easily worked and shaped than iron to ensure that the tsuba has a tight fit to the blade. Should it be removed to be put onto another blade it will be easier to fit the tsuba because of the seki-gane. Most production katana omit the seki-gane of the tsuba; its inclusion is indicative of the degree of detail Citadel has imparted into its katana.
The habaki is of copper and the seppa are brass. The fuchi and kashira fittings are crafted from highly polished pure iron. The wooden tsuka has the rare inclusion of a full ray-skin wrap overlaid with black silk ito imported from Japan. The ito tight and well knotted. A pair of antiqued brass menuki are bound within the folds of the ito.
The saya scabbard is hand carved and given a gloss black lacquer finish. The mouth of the saya has an inlaid wrap of rayskin that was polished until it was smooth and then made flush with the rest of the scabbard by filling its recesses with black lacquer. The koiguchi is of buffalo horn and is carved to precisely fit the scabbard. An untied black sageo cord is included.
The sword comes with a black cloth sword bag with silk inside. It also comes with a padded, zippered nylon sword carrying bag with a shoulder strap and external zippered compartment.
Robert –
Detailed and functional Blade: Hamon is a little more prominent than in the photos. Polish is just right for a blade that will see some use.
Tsuba/Fuchigashira: Everything is beautiful in person. The stippling on the tsuba is amazing up close. The fuchi/kashira appear jet black in photos, but under most light they have a deep reflective silver grey appearance. Everything is super tight and solid.
Tsuka: Silk feels nice and is super tight. I can’t wiggle it at all.
Saya: Fits like a glove and has a nice “satin” finish that doesn’t show fingerprints easily. (Another reason I feel this sword is made to be used!)
I could only find one fault with mine. When holding the sword with the blade facing straight down, the blade is at 6 o’clock, the mune is at 12 o’clock. However, the tsuka (most noticeably the kashira end) is pointing at 11 and 7 o’clock. So it’s not perfectly aligned. For that I would give it a 9 out of 10.
The sword bag holds the sword very snug and it even comes with two spare mekugi (another “nudge nudge” to use this thing). I cut some tatami with it and it didn’t even leave a scuff or mark. I also hit a wooden dowel on my sword stand and I couldn’t find a mark on the blade from that either. The sword still looks brand new after some use. I have much confidence in the construction and durability of this sword.
If you’re looking for a well made, attractive enough katana that had amazing attention to detail when being made and can take some abuse and still look new, this one is for you. Otherwise, (for this price) there are swords that look more flashy hanging on the wall with silver bits and complex polishes, laminations, and folds.