Bamboo Citadel Katana

Bamboo Citadel Katana

Bamboo Citadel Katana - Limited Edition III.

This is the third in the series of Limited Edition katana from Citadel Knives and Swords. Each sword is signed by the smith on the nakago with the sword number, limited to 100 swords before the model is retired.

This rendition of the classical bamboo themed katana is a light and fast sword. Hand forged from imported European 1075 high carbon steel the differentially hardened blade features a "bo-hi" or fuller to lighten and balance the blade without sacrificing strength.

This is an extremely collectible and capable sword.

The tsuba is hand cut and engraved from pure iron. The "nanako" or stippled pattern on the tsuba is accomplished by hand, quite a feat of patience with a stunning result. The tsuba also features "seki-gane", metal inserts at the top and bottom of the hole for the blade to slip through. These are of a softer metal (copper) than the iron of the tsuba and allow easier shaping of the hole to perfectly fit the tsuba to the blade. Over time if this fit becomes loose or the tsuba is fitted to another blade the seki-gane may be adjusted easily to tighten it back up. This is a small detail usually only found on hand-made Japanese tsuba and is indicative of the level of care and craftsmanship given to these swords by Citadel.

The "tsuka" or handle and "saya" or scabbard are hand carved to fit each individual blade ensuring a proper fit. The handle is wrapped in genuine imported silk form Japan and tightly wrapped around the full same-gawa or ray skin wrap around the wooden core. The saya is lacquered in black to a nice semi-gloss finish with a ray skin wrap near the mouth of the saya to strengthen this area.

Bamboo Citadel Katana Features

Handmade by skilled artisans.
Hand carved fittings of pure iron.
Limited Edition of 100.

Overall: 40 3/8".
Blade Length: 27 3/4".
Handle Length: 11".
Weight: 2lb 3oz.
Point of Balance: 4 3/4".
Thickness at Guard: .25".
Thickness at Tip: .2".
Sori: 3/4".
Blade Steel: Differentially hardened 1075 high carbon steel.

Distributed by Hanwei.

To be called a "CAS Iberia product" requires a considerable amount of effort and ability, a high level of quality, consistency and performance.
Citadel is regarded as the finest maker of Japanese style swords available outside of Japan by many practitioners and collectors alike. Each sword is subtly unique, with no large scale casting facility each and every piece of a Citadel sword is crafted by hand by master artisans.