• See Note below for FREE GIFT offer when ordering this item by March 30, 2008!

The Oni are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore similar to western demons or trolls. In modern culture they are beginning to move away from this menacing connotation into the role of guardian or protector, similar in character to gargoyles. Their power and ferocity, however, have not diminished. There is a Japanese saying which translates to "Oni with an iron club", or to be of an invincible nature, a fitting association with the 29" L6/Bainite blade on which our Oni Katana is built. The blade features the geometry of our Performance Series for outstanding cutting ability. The 14" tsuka is wrapped in black ray skin and silk ito while the Koshirae feature Oni in various classical styles. A unique combination of folklore and functionality.
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.
KEY FEATURES:
L6/Bainite Performance Series Katana Blade Traditional Construction Designed for Martial Artists

MEASUREMENTS:
Blade length: 29" Handle length: 14" Overall length: 44" Weight in box: 2lb 13oz

• Note: This item is continues to sell out before we receive our orders from Hanwei Forge. The next shipment available at this time will be in early May, 2008. There is currently only one Oni Katana that remains available for sale in the May shipment. We recommend ordering now to reserve yours, and you should receive it by May 10, 2008. Due to the Hanwei backorder situation, ProForge Knives is offering two FREE GIFTS to those who order by March 30, 2008. If you order by March 30, you will receive a free single sword stand, item #OH2105, and a free Hanwei Sword bag, item #OH2159! This offer is only valid while supplies last and may end at any time.