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 optimal durability. Full tang construction. Complimentary wooden display stand included with your order. Built to last.
$199
free shippingEvery piece is unique, hand-forged
The Hoo (or Hōō in full transcription) is the phoenix of Japanese mythology: a mythological bird embodying royal virtues that, according to tradition, appears only in times of lasting peace. Its profile adorns the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in at Uji, one of the country’s oldest temples. The Katana Hoo is a replica built around that regal symbolism.
Manganese steel is a less common choice in replicas: the fine grain of manganese produces a surface that absorbs light differently from standard carbon steels. Nagasa approximately 70 cm, hardness 58–60 HRC.
The fittings embrace phoenix iconography: royal-purple ito over samegawa, a bronze tsuba engraved with a hoo feather motif (the mythical bird’s long, undulating tail), a black lacquered saya with gilded details on the koiguchi and kojiri bindings, and an ochre sageo. Habaki in burnished gold.
Conceived for ceremonial home display spaces, collectors drawn to Eastern mythology, or as a gift for someone who has visited Uji or who studies Buddhist iconography. A replica that speaks to collectors who appreciate symbols of rebirth.
| Type | Japanese katana (uchigatana) |
|---|---|
| Blade | manganese steel (≈ 56-58 HRC) |
| Forging | by hand, traditional quench-hardening |
| Nagasa (blade length) | ≈ 73 cm (≈ 28.7 in) |
| Total length | ≈ 104 cm (≈ 40.9 in) |
| Weight | ≈ 1 kg (≈ 2.2 lb) |
| Tsuka (handle) | hand-wrapped (cotton tsuka-ito) |
| Tsuba (guard) | chiseled alloy on both sides |
| Saya (scabbard) | lacquered wood with matching sageo |
| Mekugi (peg) | traditional bamboo |
| Habaki | hand-finished brass |
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.