Armorer's Katana by Bugei - 29 inch Blade
You don’t just wield a katana — you carry history in your hands. The Armorer’s Katana is a tribute to the iconic blades of Nagasone Kotetsu, a famed swordsmith of the Edo period whose legend claimed his swords could cleave through a kabuto. While you shouldn’t test that legend, you can feel the legacy in every swing of this exceptionally balanced and beautifully forged blade.
This katana isn’t flashy — and that’s precisely the point. Understated power radiates from its dark chocolate brown saya, matched with traditional cotton ito wrapping over real white samegawa (ray skin). Silver menuki and a uniquely pierced yanone-themed tsuba complete a look that’s both elegant and utilitarian. The blade is hand-forged and folded from a blend of T10 and 1055 steel, producing a visible hada (grain) and a dramatic o-choji hamon across its edge.
Nagasone Kotetsu, born into a family of armorers, transitioned into sword-making during the Edo period. Although historical accounts vary on how many authentic blades he produced, the reputation of his swords for strength and resilience has made him a figure of enduring legend. With many fakes bearing his signature, a real Kotetsu is a coveted piece. Bugei honors this master craftsman with the Armorer’s Katana — a sword that embraces his core values: resilience, precision, and understated elegance.
Features
- Tribute to Nagasone Kotetsu, legendary Edo-period swordsmith
- Forged and folded blade from T10 and 1055 high-carbon steels
- O-choji hamon pattern for dramatic visual appeal
- Traditional handle construction with cotton ito and ray skin
- Pierced yanone-themed tsuba and silver menuki for subtle detail
- Dark brown saya with buffalo horn accents and light brown sageo
Specifications
| Overall Length | 43 3/8 inches |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 29 inches |
| Handle Length | 12 inches |
| Weight | 2 lbs 5 oz |
| Thickness at Guard | 0.31 inches (8 mm) |
| Thickness at Tip | 0.19 inches (4.9 mm) |
| Sori (Curvature) | 3/4 inch |
| Blade Steel | T10 and 1055 folded steel |
| Hardness | Edge: HRC 60 / Spine: HRC 40 |
The Armorer’s Katana by Bugei is more than a weapon — it’s a story told in steel. Whether you’re a practitioner, historian, or collector, this katana honors the strength and craftsmanship of Nagasone Kotetsu. Simple in form, immense in spirit — this is a blade built to last generations.
Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.
