Black Blossom – Hand Forged 1065 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

Black Blossom – Hand Forged 1065 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

A 3.2 cm wide shinogi-zukuri blade ground from 1065 high carbon steel, paired with fittings engraved with a floral motif that gives the Black Blossom its name. The geometry is the same proven ridgeline profile used across serious functional katana – two surface planes meeting at a raised shinogi line that stiffens the blade under load and guides edge alignment through the cut.

Specifications

Forged in Longquan

Longquan has been producing edged weapons for over 2,600 years, and the controlled furnace tempering process used on this blade – running steel through a precisely regulated thermal cycle – is a direct evolution of that tradition. 1065 high carbon steel lands at a carbon percentage that the Longquan smiths have used for working katana for decades: hard enough to hold a sharp, stable edge through repeated use, tough enough to absorb shock without fracturing. There is no differential hardness here – the treatment is uniform, which means the blade behaves consistently from tip to base.

The floral engraving on the zinc alloy fittings (tsuba guard, fuchi collar, kashira pommel) is cut before assembly, not stamped. The pattern reads clearly against the black handle wrap and the lacquered saya – visual contrast that does not require close inspection to read.

Weight, Balance, Draw

The 26 cm handle accommodates a two-handed grip with room to spare, and the genuine rayskin (same) beneath the cotton ito wrap creates a textured foundation that anchors the wrap in place and prevents rotation under grip pressure. The high-gloss lacquer saya releases the blade cleanly on draw – no drag, no catch. At 102 cm total length, the draw arc is full and deliberate, rewarding proper form and a committed shoulder position.

Keeping It Sharp

After use, wipe the blade clean with a soft cloth and apply a thin coat of choji oil (traditional clove-based sword oil) before sheathing. Avoid prolonged storage in the saya without oiling, as trapped moisture will accelerate surface oxidation on the carbon steel. The cotton ito wrap can be re-tied if it loosens; check the bamboo handle peg (mekugi) periodically to confirm the handle is seated firmly on the tang.