Handcrafted Samurai Sword

Nov 20, 2025 6:56 PM

While living in Japan I commissioned a custom, handmade sword. It was delivered in this gorgeous carrying case.

All wrapped up waiting to be unboxed!

Detail of the Sageo and Kurigata (hanging cord and fixture).

Tsuba (guard) detail.

Fuchi (collar) detail.

Saya (scabbard) wood detail.

Tsuka (handle) detail.

Yakiba is the blade edge. Habaki is the golden blade collar near the guard. Hamon is the temper line.

Another view of the blade.

Final product! The certificate states, “A beautiful sword with a smooth, hand sharpened blade that can immediately withstand combat.” It was forged in Okinawa. Interestingly, this piece is considered a weapon in Japan and is treated as such. Lots of paperwork to get it sent back to the states, but surprisingly less paperwork than if I wanted to purchase it and keep it in Japan without shipping it immediately. I’m quite happy with it!

sword

japan

mildly_interesting

samurai

travel

🥷

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Funny looking pool cue.

10 months ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

#5
You can see the mark on the tsuba ? Where the sprue was snapped off.
They haven't even taken the time to fettle the casting mark.
Looking at the thinness of the sprue and the finish I wonder if it isn't diecast puter ?
I would have been in trouble if I past a casting on to the plating department with visible sprue marks.

10 months ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Is that the dark spot right in the center?

10 months ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

https://imgur.com/hpExATT.mp4

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

😂

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

JOHNSON!

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Steel details?

10 months ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Most likely tamahagane steel, made from iron sand only found in Japan and smelted for three days straight to rid the mixture of impurities.

Source: https://youtu.be/VE_4zHNcieM

10 months ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 2

The certificate states “carbon steel” and “hand polished.” I’m afraid I don’t know further details :-/

10 months ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 2

and you even had your name placed on it

10 months ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Yeah!

10 months ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

lol I was thinking I hope their name is Johnson, then saw your screen name

10 months ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Impressive that you can read it! I was only ever able to recognize my train stop 😂

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Missed opportunity to have them inscribe "Destroyer of Demons" :v

10 months ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

The Second Hanzō was known as the Demon Hanzō.

10 months ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m planning on moving back over there next year, I should get one made while I’m there. Though probably not in Oki, I’ll be up near Yokohama, but I can probably find a maker up there.

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I was in Yokosuka when I ordered this. So I was able to order it there but they made it in Oki.

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Oh cool! Navy? That’s where I’m headed, assuming I can get my detailer to find me some orders there.

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Yep! Did 25 months out there! Just got back and I’m on terminal about to retire!

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Hell yeah! Congrats brother! I’ll also be doing my twilight tour out there. I’ll be at 16 years when I PCS next year.

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Nice! Definitely do your VA stuff out in Japan it is way better than the states. What gig are you trying to get?

10 months ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0