The Ryumon Raijin Katana has a hand forged and folded A1S1 1060 carbon steel blade meticulously crafted for a damascus look. Heat treated with traditional processes, the razor sharp edge has a hardness of roughly -57Rc and a softer spine (-45Rc) to absorb shocks. A one-piece brass construction habaki (blade collar) enables the blade to fit securely into the saya (scabbard). The tsuba (guard) of this sword features a reproduction of "raijin" (the god of thunder), based on the work of Tawaraya Sotatsu, a master painter of the Edo period. The saya (scabbard) is laquered to a super high gloss finish with inlaid brass sakura (cherry blosson flower). Authentic ray skin (same) is used to wrap the tsuka (handle). Both the sageo and ito are woven from imported Japanese silk for a sleek and elegant look. The Koiguchi (scabbard mouth) and Kojiri (scabbard tip) are made with geniune water buffalo horn. This sword comes complete with hang tag, a genuine silk sword bag a cleaning kit, a reference guide, and a certificate of authenticity all packaged in a laquer wooden box. Overall: 42", Blade: 28", Handle: 11" .