The Meijin Iaito (SH5018) is an amazing testament of the quality produced by CAS/Hanwei. The blade is forged-folded T10 high-carbon steel with grooves (bo-hi) on both sides of the blade, which allows for a lighter blade and audible feedback when swung. The blade is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method and has a beautiful grain pattern (hada) with visible layers. The tsuka is wrapped in genuine ray skin (same) and the tsuka-ito is premium black Japanese cotton. The black iron square tsuba, fuchi, & kashira are done in a “Turbulent Ocean” motif. The habaki is a one-piece brass construction. The saya is done in a beautiful black matte striped finish going the whole length of the scabbard and the sageo is black cotton. The Meijin Iaito represents the pinnacle of production quality for Iaito swords. KEY FEATURES: * Forge-Folded High Carbon Steel Blade * Black Matte Striped Saya * Perfect Balance MEASUREMENTS: BLADE LENGTH: 28 inches HANDLE LENGTH: 10 1/2 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 39 1/2 inches WEIGHT: 2lb THICKNESS: .250 inches