Samurai Swords and weapons and sword

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Praying Mantis Katana

The Praying Mantis is a symbol of cunning and power in Japanese culture and is consequently a highly respected theme in Samurai swords. Built on our new L6/Bainite blade (detailed below) in the Shobu Zukuri style with Bo-Hi, and featuring superb koshirae, the Praying Mantis is a very desirable and functional piece. The subdued green silk ito and deep brown of the lacquered saya provide handsome contrast to the dark copper and golden accents of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira. The stalking mantis lies in wait for his next prey, mirroring the power and grace in this exceptional katana.

Bainite is a structure of high-carbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics. It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few top-class master smiths, due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba (edge section) required for Katana blades.

Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process, using billets of L-6 tool steel (a very tough high-carbon low-alloy steel) as a starting point. Blades are forged and shaped in the normal way, then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.

L6 blades typically edge 58~60 HRC, back 38~42 HRC

Hanwei's latest version of the Praying Mantis features a "straight" (Sugaha) hamon, as opposed to the "wave" (Notare) style used on earlier versions (pictured above). This results from Hanwei's development work in producing a hard martensitic edge on Bainite blades. Traditional claying techniques produced unsatisfactory results and it was found that the best edge hardness was produced by microwave heating of the edge section (Yakiba) (this takes about four seconds), followed by immediate quenching. As the microwave technique can only be applied to an area that follows the line of the edge, a Sugaha hamon style results. While the technique is very modern, the hamon style is very traditional.

The gray color of the blade surface is not oxidation, it is simply the coloration of the Bainite phase of L6, which has an inherently "dark" appearance. It could be polished, like the section behind the ridge line (shinogi-ji), but we would lose the hamon (the differential hardness would still be there, it just would not be visible). As the Bainite is used primarily to take advantage of its "forgiveness" in cutting and appearance is secondary, we figured that a visible hamon would be the preferred option.

L6/Bainite is a fairly modern creation (Bainite is a phase of L6, made by very careful control of the heat treating process). It is very tough and resilient - it has a high yield point, so that it can be flexed strongly without taking a set, and it holds an edge very well. Until recently was probably the best steel in use for Japanese swords (although the Tamahagane traditionalists would argue).

Overall: 41”
Blade Length: 29”
Handle Length: 11”
Weight: 2lb 8oz
Hrc Edge: 62~64
Hrc Back: 33~38

SH-2359 $ 2299.99 Sale $ 1494.99

We also offer Medieval weapons, Japanese swords, Samurai swords, Antiques, old swords, tantos and Naginata. Mantis swords is known for its large selection of Chinese knives, Oriental swords and Martial Arts weapons. You will find many sword parts such as tsubas, silk bags, sword stands and cleaning kits on our site. We also offer sword cleaning kits, cane swords, Tachi long swords, Scottish swords, Celtic swords, Japanese katana, Japanese samurai swords, folded steel swords and Tai Chi swords. You will find a wide array of Japanese helmets and samurai armor. We have many ninja items such as shuriken, throwing stars, shaken, throwing spikes, manriki gusari, ninja swords, ninja katanas, ninja books and practice wooden shinai. All of our Japanese weapons are battle ready and may be used for cutting mats. The Oriental swords have all been sharpened. however, the medieval weapons, Celtic, renaissance and European weapons and swords have no edge. Our swords have been custom hand-made in traditional ways. The Oriental swords and medieval weapons blades are clay fired to produce a true temper line. The samurai swords and Japanese swords have true hamon lines from the clay firing process. If there is any medieval weapons, Japanese swords or samurai swords that you do not see on our site, please email from the link below. Our medieval weapons, oriental swords and martial arts weapons are of the highest quality.

The phone number is 888-660-9673

Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6 EST.. Sunday 12-4.

mantisswords@toadmail.com

The products sold at our site are NOT toys! Mantis Swords, its employees nor associated companies assumes no responsibility for injury, damage or loss incurred by use of any merchandise sold via this site. Products from this site will not be sold to individuals under the age of 18 without permission and consent of a parent or legal guardian. Compliance to local , state and federal laws and/or statutes is the responsibility of the purchaser. Purchase of merchandise from the Mantis Swords implies agreement and compliance to the above statements by purchaser. As with all weapons specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

All pictures on this site have been provided by photographer Roger Mitchell.

All pictures and descriptions on all pages of this site are the property of Mantis Swords Inc., duplication without Mantis Swords written permission in strictly prohibited!