White Jade – Hand Forged 1065 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

White Jade – Hand Forged 1065 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

The White Jade (白瑶) is a classically forged 1065 high carbon steel katana whose identity is defined not by dramatic finishes or exotic treatments, but by the pure, understated elegance of a traditionally polished blade paired with a luminous green Aohada saya — a combination that evokes the serene beauty of celadon jade against still water. This shinogi-zukuri katana is the ideal first sword for practitioners who value clean lines and honest craftsmanship over ornamentation. At $150, the White Jade is arguably the most graceful entry point into Longquan’s functional katana tradition.

Specifications

Craftsmanship & Materials

The White Jade’s blade is forged from 1065 high carbon steel — a time-tested alloy sitting at the sweet spot between edge-holding hardness and shock-absorbing toughness. With a carbon content of approximately 0.65%, this steel responds well to the oil quench and temper process used by Longquan smiths, producing a blade that achieves a working hardness suitable for sustained cutting practice without the brittleness risk of higher-carbon steels. The full polish on the White Jade allows the natural luster of the 1065 steel to speak for itself — a clean, mirror-adjacent finish that catches light in the way a traditional hand-polished katana should.

The shinogi-zukuri geometry is executed with careful attention to proportion. The shinogi ridge is well-defined without being sharp to the touch, the kissaki (tip) is crisply formed, and the curvature (sori) of the 72 cm blade provides natural draw-cut efficiency. At 950 g net weight, the White Jade sits at a handling weight that feels authoritative without inducing fatigue — a balance that matters enormously for beginners building proper form through repetition.

The name 白瑶 — White Jade — speaks to the blade’s visual character after polishing: smooth, cool, luminous, and quietly commanding. The green Aohada bark wood saya echoes the celadon palette of classical Chinese jade carving, creating a sword-and-scabbard combination that feels genuinely considered rather than arbitrary. The cotton ito wrap completes the package with a traditional diamond lacing pattern that provides reliable grip purchase during drawing and cutting movements.

Perfect For

• First-time katana buyers seeking a clean, classically styled functional sword without specialty finishes or complex maintenance requirements
• Kenjutsu and iaido students who need a durable, well-balanced practice sword for form training and light cutting
• Gift purchases for sword enthusiasts who appreciate restrained, traditional Japanese aesthetic over bold or decorative designs

Care & Maintenance

Standard 1065 high carbon steel maintenance applies: wipe the blade clean after each use with a soft cloth and apply a thin, even coat of choji oil to all polished surfaces before storage. The bright polished finish will show fingerprint oxidation more readily than a blackened or patterned blade, so handle with clean, dry hands and re-oil after every session. Store the sword horizontally in a cool, dry location away from humidity to prevent the saya wood from warping around the blade.