Ronin Elite 2011 Yuki Komainu Katana

The Yuki Komainu (lucky lion dog) katana has been traditionally forged and laminated in the soshu kitae tradition
(seven panel steel). This school was developed by the Japanese smith Masamune, and combines panels of hard,
medium, and soft steels. The core of the blade is formed from softer, more malleable steel giving it exceptional
flexibility. A layer of slightly harder steel is bonded to each side of the core to add support. The last layers are a very
hard steel bonded to the top, bottom, and both sides of the core forming the ha (cutting edge) mune (back edge) and
shinogi-ji (blade flats). This form of laminar construction provided for a sword that could be sharpened to a razor edge
due to the hardened steed used for the ha, but was extremely resilient to battle damage due to its softer more flexible
core.

Blade lamination: Soshu Kitae seven panel steel
Steel: 1095/1060/1045
Tempering: Differentially hardened (clayed) and water quenched         
Rockwell Hardness: 62 edge / 40 spine  
Fittings: Handmade Komainu (lion dog) themed fuchi, kashira, tsuba, and menuki
Kurikata, Koiguch, Kojirii: Polished buffalo horn                                    
Polish: Japanese finger stone polish.
Blade length: 29 inches (habaki to tip)                       
Over all length: 40.9 inches                                               
Tang: Full tang with Ronin kanji.                                    
Grip: 10 inches                                
Wrap: Silk ito over genuine ray skin.                                                       
Saya: Brown silk sageo buffalo horn inserts
Ability level: Advanced dojo use (bamboo, tatami mats, etc)

Number of pieces in production run: One (1)
SOLD

Price: $800 shipped in the US. $35 shipped outside the US.