Midori Kage Katana – Handmade T10 Clay Tempered Sword with Genuine Notare Hamon
The Midori Kage Katana (緑影, meaning "Green Shadow") is a handcrafted Japanese-style sword by HanBon Forge, distinguished by its deep green tsuka wrapping, black hardwood saya, traditional Musashi-style tsuba, and beautifully polished T10 high-carbon steel blade.
Featuring a genuine clay-tempered Notare hamon, refined Hazuya polishing, traditional shinogi-zukuri blade geometry, and full tang construction, the Midori Kage combines elegant Japanese-inspired design with detailed modern sword craftsmanship.
The contrast between its dark green handle wrapping, black scabbard, decorative metal accents, and flowing temper line gives this katana a distinctive appearance suited to collectors, Japanese sword enthusiasts, and experienced practitioners.
The Meaning Behind Midori Kage
Midori (緑) means "green," while Kage (影) means "shadow." Together, Midori Kage – Green Shadow evokes the understated elegance of the sword's deep green wrapping and black saya.
The name reflects the visual character of this modern handcrafted katana, rather than claiming a historical sword lineage or traditional named-blade provenance.
Key Features of the Midori Kage Katana
T10 Steel Blade and Traditional Differential Hardening
At the heart of the Midori Kage Katana is a hand-forged blade made from T10 high-carbon steel, a modern tool steel commonly used for functional Japanese-style swords.
T10 steel can develop a hardened cutting edge through appropriate heat treatment. Its suitability for differential hardening also makes it a popular choice for swords featuring genuine hamon.
Each blade is forged, shaped, heat treated, polished, and assembled as part of the workshop production process.
Clay Tempering and Differential Hardening
The Midori Kage features differential clay hardening, a process inspired by traditional Japanese swordmaking methods.
Before quenching, a specially prepared clay coating is applied to selected areas of the blade. Differences in cooling behavior during quenching help produce varying steel microstructures between the cutting edge and the blade body.
The resulting transition between these regions creates the genuine hamon visible along the blade.
Unlike a purely decorative etched pattern, a genuine hamon is associated with the blade's differential heat treatment.
Craftsmanship Note: The precise appearance of a hamon varies naturally between handmade blades. A visible hamon should not be interpreted as a guarantee of a particular hardness value or cutting performance.
Genuine Notare Hamon – Flowing Waves Along the Blade
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Midori Kage is its real Notare hamon.
Notare is a traditional Japanese hamon style recognized by its gently undulating, wave-like pattern. The flowing line creates an elegant contrast with the straight shinogi ridge and the polished surfaces of the blade.
The hamon is produced during the differential hardening process, making it a visible expression of the blade's heat-treatment characteristics.
Since each Midori Kage blade is individually heat treated, slight differences in the width, shape, and visibility of the Notare pattern are expected.
Hazuya Polishing
The blade features Hazuya polishing, a finishing approach associated with traditional Japanese sword-polishing techniques.
This refined polish enhances the visual distinction between the hardened edge and surrounding blade surfaces, bringing greater attention to the natural movement of the Notare hamon.
Its appearance may vary under different lighting conditions, including direct daylight and indoor illumination.
Shinogi-Zukuri Blade Geometry
The Midori Kage Katana follows the traditional shinogi-zukuri blade profile, characterized by a distinct ridge line running along the blade.
This construction incorporates differentiated blade surfaces that contribute to the familiar geometry of the Japanese katana.
Chu-Kissaki and Geometric Yokote
The sword features a chu-kissaki, or medium-length blade tip, with a clearly defined yokote.
The geometric transition between the blade body and kissaki is formed as part of the blade geometry rather than being suggested solely by a cosmetic polishing line.
Clean Blade Profile Without Bo-Hi
The standard Midori Kage blade is produced without bo-hi (a longitudinal blade groove).
Its uninterrupted steel surfaces highlight the blade's polished geometry, curvature, and flowing Notare hamon.
The lack of a bo-hi also contributes to the distinctive mass distribution of this blade configuration, although actual balance depends on the complete sword assembly.
Musashi-Style Tsuba and Traditional Koshirae
The Midori Kage is fitted with a distinctive Musashi-style tsuba featuring two large rounded openings and a dark metal finish.
The design recalls the understated simplicity of traditional Japanese sword fittings associated with Musashi-inspired styles.
Its dark appearance contrasts with the polished steel blade, green handle wrapping, and warm metallic fittings.
Coordinated Fuchi, Kashira and Menuki
Decorative brass fittings provide subtle metallic accents around the handle assembly.
The fuchi and kashira complement the green tsuka-ito, while gold-colored decorative menuki are positioned beneath the handle wrapping.
Together, these components form a harmonious koshirae that balances traditional Japanese aesthetics with the distinctive Green Shadow color scheme.
Deep Green Tsuka and Genuine Samegawa
The most recognizable visual feature of the Midori Kage Katana is its deep green tsuka-ito wrapping.
The green synthetic silk wrapping contrasts with the white samegawa visible beneath the traditional diamond openings.
Genuine rayskin is fitted over the shaped hardwood tsuka core.
Traditional Hineri-Maki Wrapping
The handle uses a traditional hineri-maki wrapping pattern, creating a sequence of alternating diamond-shaped openings.
This style provides the recognizable appearance of a Japanese katana handle while coordinating with the sword's decorative fittings.
Full Tang and Two Mekugi
The blade extends into the hardwood handle as a full-length tang, known in Japanese as the nakago.
Two bamboo mekugi pegs secure the handle to the tang. Correct fitting and assembly are essential aspects of a properly mounted Japanese-style sword.
Black Hardwood Saya with Green Sageo
The Midori Kage is accompanied by a black hardwood saya that reinforces the sword's understated visual identity.
Its dark finish complements the Musashi-style tsuba, while the matching green sageo creates visual continuity with the handle wrapping.
The combination of black and deep green gives the Midori Kage an elegant and immediately recognizable appearance.
Midori Kage Katana – Full Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Midori Kage Katana (Green Shadow) |
| Brand | HanBon Forge |
| Model | HBF1062 |
| Sword Type | Japanese-Style Katana |
| Blade Material | T10 High-Carbon Steel |
| Blade Production | Hand Forged and Hand Polished |
| Heat Treatment | Differential Clay Hardening |
| Quenching | Oil Quenched |
| Hamon | Genuine Notare Hamon |
| Blade Polish | Hazuya Polishing |
| Blade Geometry | Shinogi-Zukuri |
| Kissaki | Chu-Kissaki |
| Yokote | Defined Geometric Yokote |
| Bo-Hi | Without Bo-Hi |
| Blade Edge | Very Sharp; Unsharpened Option Available |
| Tang | Full Tang |
| Tsuka Core | Hardwood |
| Samegawa | Genuine White Rayskin |
| Tsuka-Ito | Deep Green Synthetic Silk |
| Tsuka-Maki | Hineri-Maki |
| Mekugi | Two Bamboo Pegs |
| Tsuba | Dark Musashi-Style Double-Opening Tsuba |
| Fuchi / Kashira | Decorative Brass Fittings |
| Menuki | Gold-Colored Decorative Menuki |
| Saya | Black Hardwood Saya |
| Sageo | Green |
| Craftsmanship | Handcrafted and Hand Assembled |
| Country of Origin | China |
Dimensions, Weight and Balance
The Midori Kage Katana is built around traditional katana proportions, with a slightly curved blade and an extended two-handed hardwood tsuka.
| Measurement | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length (Nagasa) | 70.5 cm / 27.76 in |
| Handle Length (Tsuka) | 27 cm / 10.63 in |
| Overall Length Without Saya | 101 cm / 39.76 in |
| Saya Length | 76 cm / 29.92 in |
| Motohaba | 3.2 cm / 1.26 in |
| Sakihaba | 2.2 cm / 0.87 in |
| Motokasane | 7.5 mm / 0.30 in |
| Sakikasane | 3.9 mm / 0.15 in |
| Blade Curvature (Sori) | 2.1 cm / 0.83 in |
| Point of Balance | 14 cm / 5.51 in |
| Weight Without Saya | 1.10 kg / 2.43 lb |
| Weight With Saya | 1.44 kg / 3.17 lb |
All measurements are approximate. Slight variations are normal for individually handcrafted swords. Custom modifications may affect dimensions, weight, and balance.
Balance, Handling and Intended Use
With a blade length of approximately 70.5 cm and an overall length of 101 cm, the Midori Kage follows the general proportions of a modern Japanese-style katana.
Its 27 cm tsuka provides sufficient length for a two-handed grip, while the blade's curvature and shinogi-zukuri geometry contribute to its traditional silhouette.
The finished balance reflects the interaction between blade dimensions, tang, handle, guard, and other metal fittings.
The Midori Kage is intended for private collections, Japanese sword appreciation, decorative display, and appropriate supervised sword practice.
Sharpened swords should only be handled by responsible adults familiar with proper safety procedures. Cutting activities require suitable training, equipment, and controlled conditions.
Customize Your Midori Kage Katana
HanBon Forge offers customization services for customers interested in personalizing the Midori Kage.
Depending on the design and production feasibility, available options may include:
- Personalized blade engraving: Names, text, symbols, or selected artwork.
- Custom mei: Personal inscription on the blade tang.
- Alternative tsuka-ito: Different wrapping colors and available materials.
- Custom tsuba: Selected alternative Japanese-style hand guards.
- Saya customization: Alternative scabbard colors, finishes, and compatible designs.
- Edge configuration: Sharpened or unsharpened options where available.
Browse our Japanese Sword Fittings Collection for alternative fittings and customization ideas.
Customers seeking more extensive modifications can also use our Custom Katana Builder.
Additional costs and production time may apply depending on the requested changes. Please confirm compatibility and pricing before ordering.
HanBon Forge Craftsmanship and Quality Control
HanBon Forge operates from Longquan, a region with a longstanding association with swordmaking.
Our workshop specializes in handcrafted Japanese-style swords, including custom katana, wakizashi, tanto, and other traditional sword configurations.
The Midori Kage reflects our approach to sword craftsmanship through careful material selection, blade shaping, heat treatment, polishing, and traditional-style sword mounting.
Workshop Inspection
Before shipping, each completed sword undergoes a workshop inspection of relevant details, including:
- Blade finish and visible polishing quality.
- Handle assembly and fittings alignment.
- Tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki placement.
- Saya seating and general fit.
- Selected customization details and finishing.
HanBon Forge provides photographs of the finished sword for customer confirmation before shipment.
This allows customers to review the completed appearance and selected fittings before dispatch.
What's Included with the Midori Kage Katana?
- 1 × Midori Kage Handmade T10 Katana
- 1 × Black Hardwood Saya with Green Sageo
- 1 × Complimentary Sword Bag
- 1 × Sword Certificate
Included accessories may vary in appearance. The supplied certificate is not an independent antique authentication document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Midori Kage mean?
Midori Kage (緑影) means "Green Shadow." The name reflects the sword's deep green handle wrapping and contrasting black saya.
Is the Notare hamon genuine?
Yes. The Midori Kage features a real Notare hamon created through differential clay heat treatment, rather than a purely decorative imitation.
What steel is used for the blade?
The blade is made from T10 high-carbon steel and receives differential clay hardening followed by Hazuya polishing.
Does the katana have a real geometric kissaki?
Yes. The sword features shinogi-zukuri geometry, a chu-kissaki, and a defined geometric yokote rather than a cosmetic polishing transition.
Is this a full tang katana?
Yes. The blade extends into the hardwood handle as a full tang and is secured with two bamboo mekugi pegs.
Does the blade have a bo-hi?
No. The standard Midori Kage blade is produced without a bo-hi, creating a clean and uninterrupted blade surface.
Is the Midori Kage Katana sharp?
The standard specification includes a very sharp blade. An unsharpened configuration may also be available. Please confirm your preferred edge option when ordering.
Is the handle wrapped with genuine rayskin?
Yes. The hardwood tsuka features genuine white samegawa beneath deep green synthetic silk hineri-maki wrapping.
What style of tsuba does the sword have?
The Midori Kage features a dark Musashi-style tsuba with two large rounded openings, giving it a distinctive traditional appearance.
Can I customize the fittings or saya?
Yes. HanBon Forge offers various alternative tsuba, handle wrapping, and saya options. Availability and additional costs depend on the requested design.
Can I add personalized engraving?
Yes. Selected names, text, symbols, and artwork can be engraved on eligible blade areas. Custom inscriptions should be confirmed before production.
Will every Midori Kage Katana look identical?
Each sword is individually crafted. Small differences in the hamon, polishing, dimensions, and handmade finishing may naturally occur.
Will I receive photos before shipping?
Yes. HanBon Forge provides photographs of the completed sword for customer confirmation before shipment.
Midori Kage – The Elegance of the Green Shadow
The Midori Kage Katana represents a harmonious combination of Japanese-inspired sword aesthetics and modern handcrafted production.
Its flowing genuine Notare hamon, hand-forged T10 steel blade, traditional blade geometry, dark Musashi-style tsuba, and distinctive green-and-black koshirae establish a recognizable identity.
Designed for collectors and enthusiasts who value both craftsmanship and thoughtful visual design, the Midori Kage offers a refined interpretation of the traditional Japanese katana.
Midori Kage Katana (緑影) – Green Shadow
Model HBF1062 | Handcrafted by HanBon Forge
Discover more handmade Japanese-style swords or contact HanBon Forge to discuss customization.
