Iron Tiger Forge Cutting Series – Arashi Katana – 1095 Through-Tempered Katana

The Arashi “Storm” Katana is the latest in Iron Tiger Forge’s collection of practical cutting session katana designed for new students of Japanese martial arts as well as sword collecting enthusiasts who want a reliable and easy-to-maintain workhorse tatami cutter and all in a traditional setting and elevated fittings above many other swords of this class. For powerful and hard-hitting strikes the blade follows the thickened and reinforced “Dotanuki” katana blade geometry designed to put more mass behind the edge for more impactful strikes. It is a form that is excellent for repetitive bamboo or mat cutting. The tip has also been reinforced with a flared, wedge shape that structurally supports the tip in the thrust and is a feature not seen on many lesser katana at this price point.

The sharp blade is mono-tempered and finished with a fine, but simple polish allowing scratches from mat cutting to be more easily buffed away, restoring its original luster without requiring specialized training or the specific tools and stones typically needed for katanas with elaborate “art polishes.” Unlike a differentially clay-tempered katana, this mono-tempered blade has greater flexibility and can bend slightly under pressure and return to its true shape more reliably. It is far less prone to permanent bending from a misaligned cut compared to a differentially-tempered katana, which can warp if the strike isn’t cleanly executed. This makes it an excellent choice for those honing their skills or mastering their technique, as it alleviates the worry of damaging a more delicate clay-tempered blade. It is forged from 1095 high carbon steel which possesses a higher carbon content and hardenability than many lesser high carbon steels used in many other budget priced katanas allowing the blade to retain its keen edge for an extended time.

The Arashi Katana has fittings are are imbued with the turbulent essence of the tempest. The fuchi and kashira are cast from iron and the tsuba is antiqued brass.The wooden tsuka is adorned with panels of authentic rayskin which is wrapped with a meticulously knotted dark blue ito grip made from artificial silk. This material surpasses the typical “scratchy” chemical fiber ito found on many similarily priced swords, offering a superior feel and texture that closely mimics genuine silk for a superior grip and handling.

The sword is paired with a wooden saya scabbard, finished in a durable, textured black lacquer that resists scuffs and scratches far better than the standard high-gloss lacquer seen on other katanas. Enhancing the scabbard are a koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri – each expertly crafted from smoothly polished buffalo horn. These elements not only lend a refined elegance to the design but also provide practical benefits by being more resistant to the wood splitting under impact than wood alone. Their inclusion reinforces the scabbard’s structural integrity, protecting its weaker points from damage due to pressure or strikes. A matching sageo cord, woven from dark blue artificial silk completes the ensemble. The sword also comes with a cloth bag for convenient storage and transport.