Hyō — the leopard — and this katana moves like its namesake: lean, quick, and built for the first real hunt. It is our entry point for the cutter stepping past wall-hangers into genuine tameshigiri, and it earns the leopard’s name with a stiff, fast blade that sings on the draw.
Forging & Steel
The blade is folded Damascus steel, grey with cool reflections and run through with a bo-hi fuller. The groove lightens the blade and gives it that low whistle as it travels — the audible feedback first-time cutters use to read their edge alignment. The folding leaves a flowing grain through the metal that no stamped steel can imitate, and the blade is kept fairly stiff for safe, controlled practice. That stiffness matters for a first cutter: a stiff blade tracks straighter through the target and is far more forgiving of a slightly imperfect cut than a whippy one, so good habits form faster. The grey tone with its cool reflections gives the steel real visual depth for the price.
Fittings
The tsuba is finely carved brass, set for balance and hand protection. The saya is lacquered solid wood, and the tsuka is wrapped in stingray leather for an exceptional, non-slip grip that suits precise beginner swordsmanship. The natural texture of the shagreen keeps the hand locked in place even as the palms warm through a long practice set.
Specifications
| Blade colour | Grey with reflections |
|---|---|
| Blade steel | Damascus steel with bo-hi (fuller) |
| Tsuba | Finely carved brass |
| Saya | Lacquered solid wood |
| Tsuka | Stingray leather |
Dimensions
| Total length | 103 cm |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 71 cm |
| Handle length | 26 cm |
| Blade width | 3.2 cm |
| Blade thickness | 0.75 cm |
Is it good for beginners?
Yes — it is designed for them. The stiff blade and bo-hi feedback make it forgiving for first tameshigiri, while the Damascus grain gives it the look of a far costlier sword. Browse the rest of our katana collection, or step up to folded pieces like the Akuma and the Kasei.
