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Product description
Hosokawa Katsumoto (1430-1473) was a governor of Shogun in the 15th century and a key figure in the Japanese Onin war. With more than 80,000 men, he fought in the former capital of Kyoto against his father Yamana Sozen. After 10 years of war, Kyoto was destroyed and neither side could claim victory.
Hand-forged in the Hon-Sanmei style, this katana features a blade built with 3 different hardnesses. The cutting edge (hasaki) is made from hardened 1095 carbon steel, the edges from medium-hard 1065 carbon steel, and the core from softer, low-carbon steel. Hardness ranges from HRC 60 at the cutting edge to HRC 40 at the back of the blade. These differences are visible in the well-crafted blade pattern (hamon) line.
This katana measures 109.5 cm overall, with a 77 cm blade and a 32 cm grip (tsuka). It weighs 1200 g. The grip wrapping is made from black silk in the Katate-Maki style, laid over genuine shagreen — a style typical for battle. It also comes with a high-polish black lacquered scabbard (saya) in the Kuroro style, with fittings (kojiri, kurigata, koiguchi) made from buffalo horn. A long tang (nakago) locks into the grip with two bamboo pins (mekugi). The katana ships in a striking collector's box.
John Lee's models draw inspiration from historical originals and deliver high-quality weapons. No plastics are used — only authentic materials like metal, brass, wood, and shagreen. Every John Lee weapon includes a seal and a certificate of authenticity.
