Iron Tiger Forge Red Dragon Straight Blade Katana
In stock
Price range: $229.99 through $249.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- 1065 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 39 7/8''
- Weight
- 2 lb 1.2 oz
- Brand
- Iron Tiger Forge
- Culture
- Japanese
Overview
Iron Tiger Forge Red Dragon Straight Blade Katana
The dragon a universal creature of ancient power - and for the Japanese a manifestation of the forces of the natural world. For the dragons personified and embodied the flow of the river, the fall of rain and the force of the tsunami. The dragon and its symbolic power adorn this katana on its menuki jewels and mother-of-pearl inlay on the saya scabbard.
The blade is made from differentially-hardened 1065 high carbon steel. The wooden tsuka grip is wrapped in rayskin with black tsuka-ito cord wrapped tightly over. The blade is pegged into the hilt with bamboo mekugi, allowing for disassembly if desired. The wooden saya is coated in red-black lacquer with a black woven sageo. The sword comes in a red and black cloth covered gift box with a wood-boxed cleaning kit and a black cloth sword bag
This katana was made in Longquan, China a region central to sword production during the Song Dynasty.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Iron Tiger Forge
- Culture
- Japanese
- Pommel
- N/A
- Overall Length
- 39 7/8''
- Blade Length
- 27 1/2''
- Blade
- 1065 High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 2 lb 1.2 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 4 7/8''
- Thickness
- 7.3 mm - 4.6 mm
- Width
- 31.3 mm
- Grip Length
- 10 3/4''
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
- Type
- Katana
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What steel is the blade made from? Common Question
Differentially hardened 1065 high carbon steel.
Q Is the blade straight or curved? Common Question
It has a straight katana blade (sori = 0).
Q How does it handle? Common Question
With a point of balance around 4 7/8 inches and a weight just over 2 lb, it feels quick and nimble.
Q What are the grip materials and construction? Common Question
Wooden tsuka wrapped in rayskin with tightly wrapped black tsuka-ito; the blade is secured with bamboo mekugi for disassembly.
Q What comes with the sword? Common Question
A red/black cloth-covered gift box, a wood-boxed cleaning kit, and a black cloth sword bag.
Q What is the saya finish and decoration? Common Question
Red-black lacquered wood saya with mother-of-pearl inlaid dragon and black woven sageo.
Q Is it suitable for cutting or reenactment? Common Question
Classed as battle ready with a very sharp edge; ensure proper training and safety when cutting.
Q Where is it made? Common Question
Longquan, China.
Q How should I care for it? Common Question
Keep the blade clean and lightly oiled after handling; store dry in the saya and use the included cleaning kit.
Q What are the key dimensions? Common Question
Overall length 39 7/8 in, blade length 27 1/2 in, grip length 10 3/4 in; blade width about 31.3 mm and thickness tapers from 7.3 mm to 4.6 mm.
Video
See it in motion
The Maker
Iron Tiger Forge
A Kult of Athena developed line, Iron Tiger Forge focuses on high quality Chinese swords and Martial Arts weapons. By working directly with the factory we are able to provide these products at unheard of prices for the level of quality and materials.
Often paired together

Inlaid Dragon A coworker studies Korean sword arts and uses a straight bladed Gumdo. This Iron Tiger Forge katana with a sori = 0 should be functionally equivalent.
Pros: With length 27.5″ at 2lbs 2oz and a POB less than 5″ it is fast and nimble. The saya dragon figure is inlaid, not a decal. The tsuka has a pleasing waist. The cotton ito and tasteful fittings are tight. Blade is defect-free with a well-execute bo-hi. Superior cloth covered red/black box with three closures and a sturdy metal handle.
Cons: The sword-saya fit is only adequate. The saya mouth required some work to remove impact damage from the habaki. (-1 star)