Raptor Shobu Zukuri Katana

The Raptor series, our new line of cutting katanas, has been designed for the cutting practitioner who does not necessarily have access to mats but who wishes to practice and perfect his cutting technique. The blades are forged in 5160 high-carbon steel and specially heat treated to produce very high resilience and greater tolerance of misdirected cuts than a conventional differentially tempered blade. The edge geometry is configured to facilitate the cutting of both soft and semi-hard materials without chipping, allowing the cutter a wide choice of targets. The Raptor Shobu-Zukuri (Iris Leaf) blade has an elegant shape and powerful cutting ability. Notable for the absence of a Yokote transition, this blade design became popular during the Nanbokucho era (1336 ~1392 AD) and its popularity continued into the Muromachi period.