SHOBU ZUKURI

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Stealthy, vicious and elegant. Shobu Zukuri is one of the most iconic, but overlooked, blade shapes in Japanese sword-making history. Shobu Zukuri is known for its unique full length shinogi-ji and lack of kissaki, yokote and boshi. Originally, during the Heian period, it was designed for practicality in battle, providing swift, clean cuts. First designed for the tachi, these blades were popular during the Armageddon of Muromachi Period (1336-1537) as they were faster and easier to produce without having to waste time on the tip. This blade geometry also allows for powerful cuts with a lower chance of being lodged in the target due to the unique shape of its tip. The design reflects a perfect balance between form and function, ideal for cutting through armor or enemy ranks with precision.

 

Everything has been carefully calculated for maximum efficency. This one of a kind katana has an extremely deep Sori (36mm), making it substantially curvier than any of our previous designs. ​This curvature is very difficult to achieve when forging and honing. The cooling process is the most crucial as the nagasa needs to be tempered at exactly the right angle. The nagasa of our Shobu Zukuri is 15 percent shorter than the standard katana's nagasa. The shorter nagasa paired with the curvature allows for incredibly fast unsheathing, as well as cutting. ​​The slight curve of the nagako is the cherry on top, balancing out the weapon to perfection. The balance of this exceptionally swift weapon is something one has to experience to believe.

 

The gorgeous beaver-tail shaped saya is carefully curved to match the sori of the katana. The wood for the saya has been carefully chosen to best withstand time, as well as changes in temperature and humidity, without any additional laquer or paint required. It truly takes a master swordsmith to be able to bring this kind of a design to life, as it takes years of practice to master shaping wood in this manner. The fuchi, kashira and tsuba are made of blackened iron, while the new habaki and seppa plates are brass. They are simplified to create contrast as well as highlight the sophisticated color scheme, and to give the details the attention they demand.​

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As always, this weapon is guaranteed BattleBlades quality and comes with an embroidered BattleBlades silk sword bag, as well as a serial numbered certificate. 

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Order your own handforged Shobu Zukuri - check out our dealers here!

Read more about T10 steel and katana parts.

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/ BB-SZK

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