REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE! Edge: Sharp Tang: Full tang with 1 Mekugi (peg) HANDMADE SWORD Real handmade swords have a wood grain like pattern in the outer skin called the jihada. It comes from laminating many layers of steel to make the blade flexible. The blades are made by starting with a piece of hard steel to serve as the foundation of the sword. The skin or is made of hundreds of layers of softer steel that serve as a way to make the sword more flexible and resistant to breaking. Next the sword is covered in a ceramic like clay with just the cutting portion of the blade exposed and heated and tempered. This results in a very hard cutting edge on a flexible yet hard blade. Then the blade is adorned with artwork like the tsuba and handle and scabbard. CONSERVATION 1>Do not attempt to sharpen the blade. The use of sharpening stones or (heaven forbid) a grinding wheel can cause the total destruction of the sword from a collectors standpoint. It takes special training skill and tools to properly polish and sharpen the sword. 2>Do not use sandpaper, steel wool or any abrasive materials on any part of the blade including the tang (nakago). These will scratch the blade and detract from its beauty. 3>Do not use ANY type of metal polish on the parts of the sword handle, guard or scabbard. The fittings on the sword are generally not supposed to be bright and shiny. 4>Do not handle the blade with bare hands. The oils and acids from your skin can cause the blade to rust (in some cases it may stain almost immediately). Use a clean cloth around the blade to handle it. 5> Whenever one draws a mounted sword out of its bag or scabbard, make sure the position of the hilt does not go lower than the scabbard. About Japanese Samurai knife sword: THE SAMURAI knife SWORD has long been considered the symbol of the spirit of old Japan. It has been said to be the embodiment of the samurai's code, the expression of his steel discipline, unswerving devotion, and peerless skill. It is, in addition, one of the most outstanding examples of Japan's tradition of highly skilled craftsmanship. The product of the tireless efforts of hereditary artisans, whose sole purpose in life was the achievement of perfection in their craft, the samurai sword is indeed a beautiful work of art as well as a formidable weapon. In the opinion of informed critics, both the workmanship and quality of the Japanese sword far surpass that of the Western Damascus and Toledo blades of folklore fame. Surprisingly, there are a greater number of these swords in America today than there are in Japan. Location: Bend it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests oregon