Tamahagane Bamboo Katana

Tamahagane Bamboo Katana

The Bamboo Katana from the Daimyo series by Kaizen Sword Art is an ode to balance, resilience and inner strength. In Japanese culture, bamboo symbolizes flexibility without breaking — a quality every samurai was expected to embody.

While some katana emphasize brute force, the Bamboo Katana speaks of control. It is a sword for the warrior who values technique, discipline and mental focus over outward bravado.

The Soul of the Samurai – Forged from Tamahagane
At the heart of this katana lies traditional tamahagane, the legendary Japanese steel produced from iron sand (satetsu). This ancient material is smelted in a tatara furnace, carefully selected and repeatedly folded.

This process results in folded steel with a complex internal structure in which hardness and flexibility reinforce each other. Each layer tells its own story, visible in the blade and felt during use. As a result, every handcrafted katana is unique — no two swords are ever the same.

The differential clay tempering creates a natural choji hamon. This flowing hamon is not only visually striking, but also forms the functional transition between the hard cutting edge and the resilient spine of the blade. The hamon is living proof of craftsmanship and mastery over steel.

Shinogi-Zukuri Blade with Bo-Hi and O-Kissaki
The blade is forged in the classic shinogi-zukuri style, the most widely respected and proven blade geometry in Japanese sword tradition. This geometry offers excellent cutting performance, structural strength and stability.

The presence of a bo-hi (groove) reduces the blade’s weight and improves balance and speed. This makes the Bamboo Katana especially suitable for prolonged training and tameshigiri, without sacrificing cutting power.

The pronounced o-kissaki gives the sword a powerful point, historically intended for effective penetration and decisive cuts. Combined with a true yokote, the blade radiates authority and precision.

Bamboo Theme – Symbolism in Tsuba and Koshirae
The bamboo theme of this katana is subtly reflected in the tsuba and koshirae, forming a conceptual extension of the blade itself. In Japanese warrior culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience, purity and the ability to bend without breaking — a core virtue of the true samurai.

The tsuba serves not merely as a hand guard, but as a visual anchor of this philosophy. Its restrained design represents growth, steadfastness and inner strength, without unnecessary ornamentation. The koshirae follows this principle seamlessly: functional, balanced and free from excess.

Together, tsuba, koshirae and blade form a coherent whole. Not as decoration, but as an expression of discipline and mental control — the qualities that transform a katana from a weapon into an extension of its bearer.

Tsuka – Balance, Grip and Security
The tsuka is traditionally constructed in Ryugo style and covered with genuine black ray skin (same). The black Japanese silk ito is wrapped exceptionally tight, providing maximum grip even during intensive use.

The construction with two mekugi ensures safety and durability. The fuchi, kashira and menuki form a harmonious ensemble that perfectly complements the natural theme of the Bamboo Katana.

The saya is finished in deep green with black accents and fitted with horn koiguchi and kojiri. The black Japanese sageo completes the sword with understated elegance.

Key features of the Tamahagane Bamboo Katana

Handcrafted katana with traditional finish
Forged from traditional tamahagane (iron sand based)
Folded steel with visible structure
Clay tempered with natural choji hamon
Sharp functional Japanese sword
Shinogi-zukuri blade with bo-hi
Pronounced o-kissaki with true yokote
Full tang construction
Tsuka with genuine black same
Extremely tight Japanese silk ito wrap
Luxury saya with horn koiguchi and kojiri

Specifications – Tamahagane Bamboo Katana

Steel: Tamahagane (folded steel)
Hamon: Choji hamon, hand polished
Blade style: Shinogi-zukuri
Bo-hi: Yes
Nagasa: 2.45 shaku (approx. 74.4 cm, excl. habaki)
Tsuka length: approx. 28 cm
Weight: 970 grams
Kissaki: O-kissaki
Ito: Black Japanese silk, very tight wrap
Mekugi: 2
Sageo: Black Japan
Saya: Green/Black with horn koiguchi and kojiri
Construction: Full tang
Condition: Shinken – fully sharp and functional

Who is the Tamahagane Bamboo Katana for?

This katana is ideal for advanced practitioners and serious collectors seeking a handcrafted katana with refined balance, traditional symbolism and reliable performance. Those who value control, elegance and authentic Japanese craftsmanship will find a sword of depth and character in the Bamboo Katana.

Buy your Tamahagane Bamboo Katana

Experience the harmony between strength and flexibility. Order the Tamahagane Bamboo Katana by Kaizen Sword Art from Samurai-Katana-Shop.nl and add a sword forged according to centuries-old traditions and built for modern practice.

This is a handmade katana. Minor variations in finish and dimensions are a natural characteristic of authentic craftsmanship. Regular maintenance and oiling of the blade are essential to keep the sword in optimal condition.