Kinmokko Katana – Handmade T10 Sword with Real Choji Hamon & Brass Mokko Tsuba

Kinmokko Katana – Hand-Forged T10 Japanese Sword with Genuine Choji Hamon and Brass Mokko Tsuba

The Kinmokko Katana (金木瓜), meaning "Golden Mokko," is a handcrafted Japanese-style sword by HanBon Forge. Named after its distinctive two-tone Mokko-shaped brass tsuba, the Kinmokko combines a hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel blade, genuine clay-tempered Choji hamon, Hazuya polishing, and an extended O-Kissaki with refined traditional Japanese-inspired fittings.

Its elegant brass-rimmed tsuba, ivory-beige handle wrapping, antiqued genuine rayskin, and rich dark mahogany lacquered saya create a sophisticated combination of warm metallic tones and understated traditional styling.

The two-tone guard features a dark central surface framed by a polished brass border, while the deep reddish-brown scabbard and delicately patterned beige sageo complete the sword's distinctive appearance.

Designed for collectors, Japanese sword enthusiasts, and experienced practitioners, the Kinmokko combines traditional-inspired aesthetics with individually handcrafted blade construction and assembly.

Key Features of the Kinmokko Katana

Hand-Forged T10 High-Carbon Steel Blade

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

T10 steel is suitable for producing a hardened cutting edge when processed through appropriate heat treatment.

The performance of any finished sword depends on several factors, including steel preparation, blade geometry, heat treatment, polishing, and assembly.

The Kinmokko blade is hand forged, shaped, differentially clay hardened, oil quenched, and hand polished.

Differential Clay Hardening

The Kinmokko features genuine differential clay hardening, a process inspired by traditional Japanese swordmaking.

Before quenching, a clay coating is applied to selected regions of the blade.

The coating influences the cooling behavior during quenching, helping create different steel microstructures between the hardened edge region and the blade body.

The visible boundary between these regions forms the genuine hamon along the blade.

Unlike a purely decorative etched temper line, a genuine hamon is associated with the blade's actual differential heat-treatment process.

Genuine Choji Hamon – Traditional Clove-Shaped Temper Pattern

One of the most important features of the Kinmokko is its genuine Choji hamon.

The Japanese term Choji means "clove," referring to a distinctive hamon pattern characterized by rounded, irregular formations resembling clove buds.

Compared with a relatively straight Suguha hamon, Choji produces a more expressive and complex visual rhythm.

On the Kinmokko, the hamon is formed through differential clay hardening, not merely applied as a cosmetic surface pattern.

The natural variation of the Choji formations gives each blade an individual visual character.

Hazuya Polishing

The blade receives Hazuya polishing, a finishing method associated with traditional Japanese sword-polishing techniques.

This process helps refine the appearance of the blade's hardened surface and enhances the visual distinction of the genuine Choji hamon.

The temper line may appear different under natural daylight, indoor lighting, and changing viewing angles.

Traditional Shinogi-Zukuri Blade Geometry

The Kinmokko follows the classic shinogi-zukuri blade profile, recognized by a raised longitudinal ridge called the shinogi.

This ridge separates the different planes of the blade, producing the familiar geometry of a traditional Japanese katana.

Extended O-Kissaki with Defined Yokote

The blade features an O-Kissaki, a longer-than-standard Japanese-style sword tip.

Its extended tip creates a distinctive silhouette and emphasizes the blade's proportions.

A defined yokote separates the main blade section from the kissaki, forming a distinct geometric transition.

Solid Blade Profile Without Bo-Hi

The standard Kinmokko blade is produced without bo-hi, the longitudinal groove sometimes found on Japanese swords.

Its continuous blade surfaces emphasize the polished steel, shinogi ridge, and genuine Choji temper line.

Compared with an otherwise similar grooved blade, the absence of bo-hi can influence mass distribution.

The actual balance also depends on the handle, guard, fittings, and complete mounting.

Two-Tone Brass Mokko Tsuba – The Signature of Kinmokko

The defining visual feature of the Kinmokko is its two-tone brass Mokko-shaped tsuba.

The guard features a gently lobed traditional Mokko outline, with a dark central surface framed by a polished brass rim.

The warm gold border follows the contours of the guard, providing an elegant contrast against its dark interior.

Two rounded openings appear beside the central nakago-ana, contributing to the balanced and symmetrical design.

The Traditional Mokko Shape

Mokko is a decorative outline used in Japanese traditional arts and sword fittings.

The softly lobed form is often associated with flower-like or quatrefoil-style design elements.

In sword fittings, the Mokko shape provides a distinctive alternative to plain round or square tsuba.

For the Kinmokko, this recognizable outline becomes the foundation of the sword's name and decorative identity.

Contrasting Black Iron Fittings

The handle is fitted with matte black iron fuchi and kashira, creating a restrained contrast against the ivory-beige handle wrapping.

The dark metal fittings visually connect with the dark center of the tsuba, producing a coordinated overall appearance.

Gold-Colored Floral Menuki

Gold-colored flower menuki are positioned beneath the traditional handle wrapping.

Their warm metallic tone complements the polished brass rim of the tsuba and the subtle gold accents of the sword.

Brass Habaki and Seppa

The Kinmokko features a brass habaki and brass seppa at the blade-to-guard fitting assembly.

The brass components coordinate with the gold-colored outer edge of the Mokko tsuba.

Ivory-Beige Tsuka with Genuine Samegawa

The Kinmokko features an elegant ivory-beige synthetic silk tsuka-ito wrapped around a hardwood handle.

The light wrapping contrasts beautifully with the dark metal fittings and reddish-brown saya.

Traditional Hineri-Maki Wrapping

The handle uses hineri-maki, a traditional-style wrapping pattern characterized by alternating diamond-shaped openings.

These openings reveal the antiqued rayskin beneath the wrap, adding texture and traditional visual detail.

The light-colored ito provides an understated appearance that allows the Mokko tsuba to remain the central decorative feature.

Genuine Antiqued Rayskin

The hardwood tsuka core is covered with genuine antiqued samegawa (rayskin).

Its distinctive surface texture is visible through the openings of the hineri-maki wrapping.

Full Tang and Two Bamboo Mekugi

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

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

Correct fitting and assembly are important aspects of modern functional Japanese-style sword construction.

Dark Mahogany Lacquered Wooden Saya

The Kinmokko is supplied with a distinctive high-gloss dark mahogany wooden saya.

Its rich reddish-brown finish features subtle darker tonal variation, creating a warm and traditional appearance.

The polished surface contrasts with the light beige handle and two-tone Mokko tsuba.

Together, these elements create a refined combination of mahogany, ivory, black, and brass.

Brass Koiguchi

The saya features a brass koiguchi at its opening.

The warm metallic edge complements the polished rim of the tsuba and the brass blade fittings.

Horn Kojiri

A horn kojiri finishes the lower end of the saya.

Its dark finish provides a subtle contrast against the rich mahogany-colored lacquer.

Premium Beige Patterned Sageo

The saya is completed with a premium beige woven sageo featuring a delicate geometric pattern.

The cord is tied in an elaborate traditional-style knot with flowing ends.

Its pale color harmonizes with the ivory-beige handle wrapping, creating visual continuity between the tsuka and saya.

Kinmokko Katana – Complete Product Specifications

Dimensions, Weight and Balance

The following measurements describe the standard Kinmokko Katana configuration.

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

All listed values are approximate. Custom changes can affect the finished dimensions, weight, and balance.

Balance, Handling and Intended Use

The Kinmokko combines a 70.5 cm blade with a 27 cm two-handed tsuka, following the general proportions of a modern Japanese-style katana.

Its approximately 1.00 kg weight without saya, 2 cm curvature, and traditional shinogi-zukuri geometry contribute to the physical characteristics of the sword.

The standard point of balance is approximately 15 cm from the measurement reference used for the listed configuration.

Handling characteristics depend on the complete mounting, blade geometry, and the technique and experience of the user.

The Kinmokko is suitable for private collections, Japanese sword appreciation, display, and appropriate supervised sword practice.

Sharpened swords should be handled by responsible, appropriately trained adults in safe and controlled environments.

Customize Your Kinmokko Katana

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

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

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

Browse our Japanese Sword Fittings Collection for additional fittings and customization ideas.

For a more extensive custom project, visit our Custom Katana Builder .

Personalized engraving, alternative fittings, and other nonstandard modifications may require additional charges or production time. Please confirm the details with HanBon Forge before ordering.

HanBon Forge Craftsmanship and Quality Control

HanBon Forge is based in Longquan, a region with a longstanding swordmaking tradition.

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

The Kinmokko reflects our approach to modern handcrafted sword production, combining hand forging, differential heat treatment, polishing, traditional style mounting, and careful 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 and fitting assembly.
• Tsuba, fuchi, kashira and menuki alignment.
• Saya fit and seating.
• Requested customization and finishing details.

HanBon Forge provides photographs of the completed sword for customer confirmation before shipment.

This allows customers to review the finished appearance and selected fittings before dispatch.

What's Included with Your Kinmokko Katana?

• 1 × Kinmokko Hand-Forged T10 Katana with Dark Mahogany Wooden Saya
• 1 × Complimentary Sword Bag
• 1 × Sword Certificate

Included accessory appearance may vary. The supplied certificate is not independent antique authentication or third-party grading.

Frequently Asked Questions