Shishi Aka Katana Sword (獅子赤) – Red Lion

Shishi Aka Katana Sword (獅子赤) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• T10 steel blade, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Hamon (刃文): Genuine Midare Hamon obtained by differential tempering.
• Bo-Hi (棒樋): Groove present on the blade.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): Black and red lacquered wood with genuine horn Koiguchi.
• Sageo (下げ緒): Red and black.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): Genuine stingray leather and solid wood.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): Black, braided in diamond patterns above the handle.
• Menuki (目貫): Golden with decorative patterns.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): Rounded brass shape with engraved samurai.
• Fuchi (縁): Brass with engraved lion motif.
• Kashira (頭): Brass in the shape of a lion’s head.
• Habaki (鎺): Golden brass decorated with black motifs.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 71 cm
• Overall length including handle: 104 cm
• Length with scabbard: 106 cm
• Handle length: 26 cm
• Blade thickness: 0.7 cm
• Blade width: 3.2 cm
• Weight: 1.4 kg
• Package weight: 1.7 kg

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Katana stand: Not included

Shishi Aka Katana Sword: design and finishes

The name Shishi Aka combines two powerful symbols of Japanese culture: the guardian lion (獅子) and the red color (赤), evocative of courage and passion. In Japanese tradition, guardian lions protect sacred places and ward off evil spirits. This name therefore reveals a katana sword designed as a spiritual protector, where the strength of the lion combines with the vital energy of red to create a weapon imbued with protective symbolism.

Its T10 steel blade reveals a genuine midare Hamon obtained through differential tempering, creating natural ripples that dance along the cutting edge. The bo-hi lightens the structure while producing the characteristic whistling sound during movement. The rounded brass tsuba features a finely engraved samurai, while the fuchi sports a majestic lion and the kashira ends with a dragon or lion head. The handle combines authentic stingray skin with black diamond braiding, creating a secure and elegant grip. The black and red lacquered scabbard harmonizes perfectly with the two-tone sageo, and the genuine horn koiguchi adds a touch of traditional authenticity.