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.
Every piece is unique, hand-forged
The Konjiki-dō (“Golden Hall”) is a pavilion within the Chūson-ji Buddhist complex in Iwate Prefecture, built in 1124. Its walls, ceilings, and statues are entirely covered in gold leaf, a chromatic effect that has struck travelers for centuries, from Matsuo Basho to Donald Keene. The Katana Konjiki draws on this aesthetic of sacred gilding.
The blade in T10 steel (nagasa of approximately 70 cm, hardness 60-62 HRC) is finished with selective gilding: the details of the kissaki, the bo-hi (the groove along the spine), and the jihada (the steel’s grain) are accented by a gold-tone brass deposit that emphasizes the precious character of this replica.
The fittings reinforce the chromatic theme: fine gold ito braided over samegawa, burnished gold tsuba with a candle-flame motif (the votive lamps of Konjiki-dō), black urushi lacquered saya with gold details running its full length, mustard-yellow sageo. Burnished gold habaki.
A piece for those who favor regal palettes, for decorating dark-toned rooms or Buddhist-inspired home altars, and a gift for those who have visited Hiraizumi (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or enjoy travel literature (Matsuo Basho dedicated one of his most celebrated haiku to Konjiki-dō). A katana that carries within it the light of a sacred pavilion.
| Type | Japanese katana (uchigatana) |
|---|---|
| Blade | T10 steel (≈ 60-62 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.
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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.