In modern culture they are beginning to move away from this menacing connotation into the role of guardian or protector similar in character to gargoyles.

Their power and ferocity however have not diminished.

The Japanese saying that translates to ldquoOni with an iron clubrdquo or to be of an invincible nature fits perfectly the 29rdquo L6/Bainite blade on which our Oni Katana is built.

The blade features the geometry of our Performance Series for outstanding cutting ability.

The 14rdquo tsuka is wrapped in black ray skin and silk ito while the Koshirae feature Oni in various classical styles.

A unique combination of folklore and functionality.

Bainite is a structure of highcarbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics.

It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few topclass master smiths due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba edge section required for Katana blades.

Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process using billets of L6 tool steel a very tough highcarbon lowalloy steel as a starting point.

Blades are forged and shaped in the normal way then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.

Made by Hanwei.

Specifications Overall 44rdquo Blade Length 29rdquo Handle Length 14rdquo Weight 3lb Hrc Edge 5860 Hrc Back 3842 Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

Key Features L6/Bainite Performance Series Katana Blade Traditional Construction Designed for Martial Artists