Forging
The blade takes shape beneath the hammer. Each layer of steel is folded and re-welded under heat to create a core that is both strong and flexible.
Hand-forged from high-quality carbon steel for exceptional durability. Full tang construction. Wooden display stand included with your order. Built to last. Damascus steel blade.
Original price was: $299.$229Current price is: $229.
free shipping -23%Every piece is unique, hand-forged
Aoi is the wild mallow, a five-petal flowering plant that gave its name to one of the most celebrated emblems in Japanese history: the mitsuba aoi, the three mallow leaves of the Tokugawa clan, was the symbol of the shogunate that governed Japan for 250 years (1603–1868). It can still be found today on the main gate of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Katana Aoi pays tribute to this heraldic heritage.
The Damascus steel blade (nagasa approximately 70 cm, hardness 58–60 HRC) features overlapping layers that echo the veining of the overlapping leaves in the Tokugawa crest. Traditional polish.
The fittings embrace the crest palette: leaf-green ito over samegawa, a chiseled brass tsuba with a mitsuba aoi motif (three mallow leaves arranged in a circle), a black urushi-lacquered saya with dark green accents, and forest-green sageo. Burnished gold habaki.
A display piece for admirers of samurai history — the Tokugawa are central figures in novels from Yamaoka Sōhachi to James Clavell — a statement accent for dark-toned interiors where green can stand out, or a gift for those who have visited Nikkō or who study Japanese heraldry. A katana that holds 250 years of state history.
| Blade | Damascus steel |
|---|---|
| Construction | full tang |
| Forging | by hand |
| Edge | sharpened, battle-ready |
| Habaki | brass |
| Tsuba | iron alloy |
| Tsuka | synthetic ray skin |
| Total length | 105 cm (41.3 in) |
| Blade length | 72 cm (28.3 in) |
| Blade width | 3,2 cm (1.3 in) |
| Blade thickness | 0,7 cm (0.3 in) |
| Handle length | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Included | katana and scabbard (Saya) |
Time-honored craft. Masterful gesture. A one-of-a-kind, hand-forged piece built to last.
The blade takes shape beneath the hammer. Each layer of steel is folded and re-welded under heat to create a core that is both strong and flexible.
The steel is brought to high temperature, then quenched rapidly: this fast cooling hardens the edge and reveals the hamon, the wavy line that runs along the blade.
The smith hand-polishes the blade with natural stones of increasing grit, revealing its luster, its edge, and the soul of the steel.
Each blade is crafted by master artisans according to traditional forging techniques.
Acciai al carbonio o Damasco ad alta tenuta, scelti per la loro resistenza e la tenuta del filo.
We guarantee our welds and assemblies for life.
Our team replies within 24 hours, by email or chat.
You have 30 days from delivery to return your order. Full refund, no questions asked, as soon as the piece reaches us in its original packaging. Return shipping is on us for any defect found, and a flat fee for a simple change of mind. Our goal: that you fall completely in love with your blade.