Musashi – Oni Demon Katana

The Oni Katana from the Musashi Silver Series hits the mark for quality and value with a clay-tempered 1060 high carbon steel blade set in a hilt with elevated and finely detailed antiqued brass fittings and genuine rayskin.  Keenly sharp and well-tempered to a 55 HRc hardness at the edge, the Oni Katana is as eminently suited for being the centerpiece of a collection as it is a workhorse mat cutter. The tsuba and its fittings depict an Oni demon lord leading a march of yokai warriors. In Japanese folklore, the Oni are fearsome demons renowned for their savage strength and malevolent nature. Yet beyond their terrifying appearance lies a deeper complexity as they are not viewed as purely evil beings. Revered and feared throughout Japan, the Oni remain among the most iconic supernatural figures in Japanese legend.

The forged 1060 steel of the almost 29 inch long blade is a solid all-rounder for shock absorption and edge retention and it holds an attractive hamon when differentially-tempered. At well under 3 lbs in weight and with a balance of about 4.5 inches above the guard the Oni Katana is not only responsive but has the mass needed to deliver powerful cuts and slices and its 9.5” long grip gives the bearer good leverage for the cut. Its bo-hi groove sheds weight from the spine to make the blade easier to wield and quicker on the swing.

Unlike some budget Katana, the Oni Katana has a tsuba, fuchi and kashira of tough antiqued brass and not the brittle zinc fittings commonly seen elsewhere. Panels of true rayskin keep it traditional and grounded and these over overlaid in quality black ito cord for a finishing wrap. Matching the sword is a wood saya scabbard which is carved to fit and given a finishing sheen in fine glossy black lacquer and a sageo cord. Included with the sword is a cloth sword bag and a manufacturers production certificate.