Product Description for Peruvian Walnut and Flame Maple Katana

Maker: Michael Rader, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89420
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 32.50 in.
Total length: 46.00 in.
Blade width: 1.25 in.
Blade thickness: 0.20 in.
Item weight: 35.75 oz.
Shipment weight: 56.6 oz.
Blade: San Mai blade with 52100 carbon steel core and damascus forged from 1086 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Damascus tsuba (oval guard) forged from 1086 and 15N20 carbon steels
Handle: Peruvian walnut and flame maple
Sheath: Saya formed from matching Peruvian walnut and flame maple
Description: This majestic katana is the work of Michael Rader. Completed in 2006, the katana (along with the matching saya and wall stand) is one of the very first pieces Michael made that bears his J.S stamp (which he received in June of 2006). Since then, this katana has been in a single private collection and is in immaculate condition. By all appearances, it could have been made yesterday.
This katana is true to Michael's inimitable style, immediately identifiable as one of his functional works of art. Michael's work combines aesthetics drawn from Medieval and Far East influences, melding them together into stately pieces that are completed with his signature elaborate woodworking.
Michael hand forged the long, slender san mai blade to shape from 52100 carbon steel and his own damascus. Many knifemakers believe that 52100 carbon steel is the ideal steel for holding a wickedly sharp edge, surely the reason why Michael chose it for the business end of the sword - the cutting edge. The san mai technique allowed Michael to sandwich the 52100 carbon steel between layers of his own dramatic damascus. Forging such a long, slender blade and keeping the central core straight is an exceptionally difficult task and Michael achieved like the master that he is today. By forging the blade to shape, Michael has both ensured exceptional strength and stunning beauty - the damascus pattern follows the elegant curve of the blade's traditional katana shape. The steel has a high-contrast mix of bold and fine patterns, making the blade both beautiful from a distance yet still very interesting up close. A triple temper ensures the steel will perform at its best.
The tsuba was formed by Michael from his own damascus, forged to match the blade. The handle incorporates Peruvian walnut and flame maple. Michael's excellent woodworking is a signature of his style - he likes to work with natural materials and the results are breathtaking. His chosen woods are meticulously combined in complex patterns, the joins beyond perception to a fingertip. The saya is meticulously fit and formed from matching woods. Accompanied by a wall stand and sword sock for storage when not on display. Exceptional work throughout!
Overall length is of unsheathed sword.
Availability: Not currently available