This KATANA is hand forged and hand sharpened using Japanese methods to create a perfect blade. Fully functional and battle ready. The accessories of the sword are all authentic from the ray skin handle, to silk sage-o and copper oxidized fittings. This is the best sword you will find in the price range. Materials And Way Of Forge: Blade: The blade of the sword has been hand forged using the ancient method of sword making. Full hand forged, hand polished and hand sharpened. The blade was made of 1060 high carbon steel, and it has been laminated in a Maru style. The blade has long Hi (blood groove) on each side, This not only allows for a lighter blade and audible feedback when swung. but also can balance the blade to achieve optimal performance. The tip of the blade is a Chu Kissaki (medium length). This blade has been hand polished with multiple grade sharpen stone by Japanese method, which made the surface of the blade like a mirror, the blade is also very sharp. This blade comes with a full length Tang which greatly enhances the strength of the sword. this sword is strong enough to cut through a thick bamboo tree with a single strike yet sharp enough to slice paper. Tsuba: The Tsuba (guard) of the sword is made of alloy. The Habaki (blade collar) is a one piece brass construction. Two Seppas (spacer) secure the Tsuba. Tsuka: The Tsuka (handle) core is wooden and it is tightly wrapped over genuine Ray skin Samegawa with synthetic silk Ito. The Fuchi (sleeve) and Kashira (buttcap) are made of alloy. The Tang of the sword is secured by two Mekugi (peg) . Two copper Menuki (ornament) are on each side of the Tsuka. Saya: The saya (sheath) of the sword is hard wooden. Sage-O has been tied around the bright copper Kurigaga (knob) of the scabbard. the Koiguchi has been hardened.