Kinpa Katana – Hand Forged T10 Sword with Real Choji Hamon & Golden Wave Tsuba

Kinpa Katana – Hand-Forged T10 Japanese Sword with Genuine Choji Hamon

The Kinpa Katana (金波), meaning "Golden Wave," is a distinctive handcrafted Japanese-style sword by HanBon Forge. Inspired by the power and elegance of ocean waves, this katana combines a hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel blade, genuine clay-tempered Choji hamon, Hazuya polishing, and an extended O-Kissaki with intricately detailed gold-finished brass sword fittings.

Its striking golden crashing-wave tsuba, ivory-colored handle wrapping, and high-gloss burgundy lacquered saya create a sophisticated contrast between warm metallic tones and deep traditional colors.

The elaborate wave motif extends through the coordinated koshirae, while the genuine Choji temper line provides a distinctive visual character along the polished blade.

Designed for collectors, Japanese sword enthusiasts, and experienced practitioners, the Kinpa represents a refined combination of traditional Japanese-inspired aesthetics and modern handcrafted swordmaking.

Key Features of the Kinpa Katana

Hand-Forged T10 Steel Blade

At the center of the Kinpa Katana is a blade forged from T10 high-carbon tool steel, a material commonly used in modern handcrafted Japanese-style swords.

T10 steel is suitable for producing a hardened cutting edge when properly heat treated. Its properties also make it well suited to differential hardening, which produces a genuine hamon along the blade.

The Kinpa blade undergoes forging, shaping, clay hardening, oil quenching, and polishing as part of its production process.

These operations contribute to the final blade geometry, hardened edge, and finished appearance.

Differential Clay Hardening

The Kinpa features genuine differential clay hardening, a heat-treatment process inspired by traditional Japanese swordmaking.

Before quenching, a carefully applied clay coating influences the cooling behavior of different regions of the heated blade.

The process creates differences in steel microstructure between the hardened edge region and the blade body.

The visible transition between these regions forms the genuine hamon.

This is fundamentally different from a blade that has a decorative temper-line pattern applied only by surface etching.

Genuine Choji Hamon – The Character of the Blade

The Kinpa Katana features a real Choji hamon, one of the most visually expressive styles associated with Japanese swordmaking.

The word Choji means "clove," and refers to a temper pattern composed of rounded, irregular formations resembling clove buds.

The flowing, complex movement of the Choji hamon provides a natural visual contrast against the polished shinogi-zukuri blade.

On the Kinpa, the hamon is formed through differential clay heat treatment rather than a purely decorative imitation.

Its organically varying appearance complements the crashing-wave ornamentation featured throughout the sword fittings.

Hazuya Blade Polishing

The blade receives Hazuya polishing, a finishing technique associated with traditional Japanese sword-polishing methods.

This process enhances the visual distinction of the genuine temper line and contributes to the blade's refined appearance.

The Choji pattern may appear more or less prominent under different lighting conditions and viewing angles.

Traditional Shinogi-Zukuri Blade Geometry

The Kinpa uses a shinogi-zukuri blade profile, one of the most recognizable forms of Japanese katana construction.

Its defining feature is the raised shinogi ridge, which separates the blade's main geometric surfaces.

The blade combines this traditional ridged profile with a defined yokote and an extended O-Kissaki.

Extended O-Kissaki

The O-Kissaki is a longer blade tip that creates a distinctive and elegant silhouette.

The transition into the kissaki is defined by a yokote, providing a clear geometric distinction between the main blade and its tip section.

Blade Without Bo-Hi

The standard Kinpa blade is produced without bo-hi, or a longitudinal blade groove.

The continuous blade surface emphasizes the shinogi ridge, polished geometry, and genuine Choji temper line.

The absence of a bo-hi also influences the blade's mass distribution compared with an otherwise equivalent grooved blade, although overall balance depends on the complete sword assembly.

Golden Crashing-Wave Tsuba and Coordinated Brass Fittings

The most distinctive visual element of the Kinpa is its gold-finished brass tsuba, decorated with an intricate crashing-wave motif.

The openwork guard features curling waves arranged around the central blade opening, creating movement and depth within the metal design.

Its richly textured gold finish provides a dramatic contrast to the polished steel blade and ivory-colored tsuka.

The Crashing-Wave Motif

Ocean waves have long appeared in Japanese visual arts and decorative craftsmanship.

Their expressive shapes evoke the movement of water, the strength of nature, and a sense of continuous energy.

For the Kinpa, the crashing-wave motif is more than an isolated decorative element.

It establishes the central theme of the sword and connects its various metal fittings into one coherent visual design.

Matching Fuchi, Kashira and Menuki

The coordinated brass fuchi, kashira, and menuki feature the same gold-finished crashing-wave theme.

The decorative fuchi frames the base of the handle, while the matching kashira finishes its end.

The gold-colored menuki are positioned beneath the handle wrapping, providing subtle details along the tsuka.

Brass Habaki and Seppa

A brass habaki and matching brass seppa complete the blade-to-guard fitting assembly.

These components coordinate with the gold-toned koshirae and contribute to the traditional mounting arrangement.

Ivory-Colored Tsuka with Genuine Samegawa

The Kinpa features an elegant ivory-colored tsuka wrapping that visually balances the ornate gold sword fittings.

The hardwood handle core is covered with genuine antiqued samegawa, or rayskin, beneath the wrapping.

The light-colored ito creates a refined contrast with the darker rayskin visible through the diamond-shaped openings.

Traditional Hineri-Maki

The handle uses hineri-maki, a traditional Japanese-style wrapping pattern.

Alternating diamond openings run along the handle, revealing the underlying rayskin and decorative menuki.

The restrained ivory color complements the gold fittings without competing with the intricate wave motifs.

Full Tang and Two Bamboo Mekugi

The T10 blade extends into the hardwood tsuka as a full-length tang (nakago).

Two bamboo mekugi pegs secure the handle assembly to the tang.

Correct handle fit and mounting are important elements of a properly assembled modern Japanese-style katana.

Deep Burgundy Lacquered Saya

The Kinpa is supplied with a distinctive high-gloss wine-red and deep burgundy wooden saya.

Its smooth, polished lacquer finish creates a rich color contrast against the gold-finished metal fittings and light-colored handle.

The understated surface allows the ornate wave-themed tsuba to remain the visual centerpiece of the sword.

Decorative Gold-Finished Kojiri

The saya features an ornate gold-finished brass kojiri at its lower end.

This decorative metal fitting complements the golden tsuba and contributes to the complete koshirae design.

Horn Koiguchi and Brass Kurikata

The scabbard includes a horn koiguchi at its opening and a brass kurikata for the sageo.

These details combine traditional-style mounting elements with the sword's coordinated gold-and-burgundy appearance.

Light Beige Braided Sageo

A light tan and beige woven sageo provides a delicate contrast against the dark burgundy saya.

Its decorative pattern and traditional-style knot contribute to the refined appearance of the complete sword mounting.

Kinpa Katana – Complete Product Specifications

Dimensions, Weight and Balance

The following measurements describe the standard Kinpa Katana configuration.

Because each sword is individually handcrafted, minor variations may occur.

All listed dimensions and weights are approximate. Approved custom modifications may affect final measurements and balance.

Balance, Handling and Intended Use

The Kinpa combines a 70.5 cm blade with a 27 cm two-handed tsuka and a finished weight of approximately 1.00 kg without the saya.

Its 2 cm curvature and shinogi-zukuri geometry contribute to its recognizable Japanese katana silhouette.

The standard point of balance is listed at approximately 15.5 cm from the specified measurement reference.

Handling characteristics depend on the complete blade and fittings configuration, as well as the user's technique and experience.

The Kinpa is intended for private sword collections, Japanese sword appreciation, display, and appropriate supervised martial arts practice.

Sharpened swords should only be used by trained adults in a controlled and safe environment.

Customize Your Kinpa Katana

HanBon Forge offers customization services for customers wishing to personalize their Kinpa Katana.

Depending on production feasibility and component compatibility, available modifications may include:

• Blade engraving: Personalized names, text, selected symbols, and artwork.
• Tang inscription: A custom mei can be requested.
• Tsuka-ito: Alternative wrapping colors or materials.
• Tsuba and fittings: Selected compatible Japanese sword fittings.
• Saya: Alternative available lacquer colors and designs.
• Blade edge: Sharpened or unsharpened configuration.

Explore our Japanese Sword Fittings Collection to view available fittings and accessory options.

For extensive customization, visit the Custom Katana Builder .

Engraving, nonstandard components, and other modifications may involve additional charges and production time. Please confirm your requirements before placing an order.

HanBon Forge Craftsmanship and Quality Control

HanBon Forge is based in Longquan, Zhejiang, China, a region with an established swordmaking heritage.

Our workshop specializes in handcrafted Japanese-style swords, including katana, wakizashi, tanto, and custom configurations.

The Kinpa demonstrates our approach to modern handcrafted sword production through carefully selected materials, differential heat treatment, hand polishing, decorative metalwork, and final assembly.

Pre-Shipment Workshop Inspection

Before shipment, completed swords undergo inspection of relevant details, including:

• Blade appearance and visible finish.
• Hamon presentation and polishing.
• Handle assembly and fitting security.
• Tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki placement.
• Saya seating and fit.
• Requested customization details.

Photographs of the completed sword are provided for customer confirmation before shipment.

This allows buyers to review the finished appearance and selected configuration before dispatch.

What's Included with Your Kinpa Katana?

• 1 × Kinpa Hand-Forged T10 Katana with Burgundy Wooden Saya
• 1 × Complimentary Sword Bag
• 1 × Sword Certificate

Accessory appearance may vary. The supplied certificate is not an independent antique authentication or third-party grading document.

Frequently Asked Questions