Handmade Sword
Empire Wheel Katana β 1045 Carbon Steel, Hand Forged, Full Tang, Battle Ready
SKU: 994
$355.99
$439.99
Only 3 left. This model will not be restocked.
Free Gift with This Sword
Sword Maintenance Kit ($33.99 value)
Free when it is in your cart together with this sword. Add both and the discount applies automatically. One per order. Ends Dec 21. Not combinable with discount codes: if you enter one, you automatically get whichever saves you more.
Battle Ready
Hand Forged
Ships from USA
30-Day Satisfaction
Blade1045 Carbon
ProcessHeat Tempered
TangFull Tang
EdgeSharp
Age Restriction: You must be 18 years or older to purchase this item. By placing an order, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age. Please check your local laws regarding sword ownership before ordering.
This Empire Wheel Katana keeps a classic full-length look with a black lacquer saya and wheel-themed fitting detail. The 1045 carbon steel blade keeps the material lane simple, while the bo-hi / fuller gives the blade side a visible groove that separates it from the no-bo-hi Empire Wheel version.
π Order before 2:00 PM PST β ships same business day Β |Β After 2:00 PM PST β ships next business day
Product Specifications
| Steel / Material | 1045 High Carbon Steel |
| Hardness | 52β54 HRC (edge) / 48β50 HRC (spine) |
| Process | Hand Forged, Heat Tempered |
| Hamon | Visible temper line, hand polished |
| Hi (Blood Groove) | Hi (blood groove) on each side |
| Edge | Hand Sharpened β Sharp and functional |
| Blade Length | 27.5" |
| Handle Length | 10.75" |
| Overall Length | 40" |
| Weight | 2.0 lbs (without Saya) / 2.7 lbs (with Saya) |
| Tsuba (Guard) | Empire Wheel Tsuba |
| Tsuka (Handle) | Genuine Rayskin, Japanese Cotton Ito, Metal Menuki |
| Tang | Full tang with 2 Mekugi (peg) |
| Saya (Scabbard) | Black piano lacquered wood β "Shadow of the Snake" scabbard: high-gloss mirror-black finish across the full saya, unified with the all-black handle wrapping β tied with black leather Ito creating a complete monochromatic black aesthetic from tsuka to saya |
| Disassembly | Can be fully taken apart and reassembled |
| Quality Control | Individually inspected before shipping β California warehouse |
Package Contents
- β 1Γ Assembled Sword with Saya
- β 1Γ Cotton Sword Carrying Bag
- β Double-layer protective packaging (tube box + shipping box)
This Empire Wheel Katana keeps a classic full-length look with a black lacquer saya and wheel-themed fitting detail. The 1045 carbon steel blade keeps the material lane simple, while the bo-hi / fuller gives the blade side a visible groove that separates it from the no-bo-hi Empire Wheel version.
β 30-day hassle-free returns: return in original unused condition with all original packaging for a full refund or exchange.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What stands out first on this Empire Wheel Katana?
The black lacquer saya keeps the first impression restrained. The wheel-themed fittings become more noticeable when the sword is viewed closer.
Does it have a bo-hi or fuller?
Yes. This version is listed with a bo-hi / fuller, so the blade side has a visible groove.
How is this different from the no-bo-hi Empire Wheel Katana?
This version shows a blade groove, while the no-bo-hi version has a more solid-looking blade side.
Is the blade 1045 carbon steel?
Yes. The listed steel grade is 1045 carbon steel, paired with a black lacquer saya and Empire Wheel fittings.
What makes the scabbard (saya) on this katana special?
The saya on this katana is part of a complete design concept called "Shadow of the Snake." The scabbard is black piano lacquered wood β the highest-gloss lacquer finish available, producing a near-mirror surface. Combined with the black-wrapped tsuka and black leather Ito, every surface of the sword from handle to scabbard tip is deep black, creating a unified form that absorbs attention rather than reflecting it. The snake in Japanese symbolism represents patience, stillness, and perfect timing β qualities that match the aesthetic perfectly. A sword this uniformly dark announces nothing about itself β and that is precisely the point. The use of leather Ito rather than the standard cotton cord is a deliberate material choice: leather has a smoother, more controlled texture that suits the snake's sleek quality better than braided fabric.
Is there a matching companion sword to pair with this?
Yes β the Shadow of the Wind Katana is the companion Shadow of the Wind (white) to this Shadow of the Snake (black), sharing the same saya design, fittings, and color palette. Displaying them together as a matched set recreates the traditional Japanese daisho presentation β the pairing of long and short blades that was the mark of the samurai class. Both swords are built to the same specifications and finished with the same decorative approach, so the two pieces read as a single unified object on display rather than two separate swords. You can find the companion piece on our site: Shadow of the Wind Katana.
How should I care for the carbon steel blade?
Keep the blade dry after handling and apply a light coat of suitable blade oil before storage. This is regular care for carbon steel.
Contact Us
β sales@handmadesword.com Β Β β 909-480-4866
MonβFri Β 9:00 AM β 3:00 PM PST
β sales@handmadesword.com Β Β β 909-480-4866
MonβFri Β 9:00 AM β 3:00 PM PST
