The Cold Steel 88K Imperial Series Katana

You'll find all the sword dimensions listed below. The one that isn't listed is the sori (the amount of curve in the blade). On this particular sword it is approximately 5/8 ". One of the unique features is the extreme hourglass design of the handle. Starting with a width of 40mm, narrowing to 32mm near the center, then back to 37mm at the end. With few dissenting votes, most customers find it extremely comfortable. It is dual-pinned utilizing real rayskin, and the general fit and finish of the handle area we find very well done. It is of a full-tang design and double-pinned. One curiosity (we have not yet disassembled one to be sure), is that the two-tone gold and black menukis appear to be plastic. The tsuba is nicely done, but a little rough..

As far as the blade is concerned, it is made of a 1050 high carbon steel; and although monotempered, this has not adversely affected the sword's cutting ability or longevity. In fact, the reports which have come in thus far have been extremely favorable to the point of surprising us. The bohi has extremely sharp and defined edges. Although not visible, when you run your finger down the inside of the bohi, you can feel ever so slight waves, but this is completely acceptable for a handmade production sword in this price range. We do have to note that the shinogi-ji is extremely highly polished, while the remaining part of the blade has a dull, smooth finish; and there is no hamon line.

Item # 88K Katana ... $549.00 ... On Sale $379.00... including Free Shipping

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