Date Published: 2012-10-11
Damascus Steel Sword Buyer's Guide
Damascus steel is a term used by many Western cultures from the Medieval time period forward to refer to a unique type of steel that was originally created in India and used for swordmaking from approximately 300 B.C. to A.D. 1700, producing strikingly beautiful and nearly indestructible Damascus swords. The blades of such Damascus swords were hand forged and characterized by individual, unique, one-of-a-kind mottling and patterns, which are often described as reminiscent of flowing water. Since these blades were hand forged, they were (and still are) capable of being honed to a truly razor-sharp edge that will effortlessly slice through practically anything. Throughout the Middle Ages, the art of crafting Damascus swords was perfect and spread throughout India, eventually to Persia and the Middle East. A gradual decline in Damascus production began in the 1700s and original Damascus swords are not known to have been created after about 1750 due to a breakdown in trade routes, supply, and knowledge of the artisans’ craft. As the number of metal smiths declined and the demand dwindled, the ancient process of crafting Damascus swords became a lost art. However, modern metal smiths have engineered and perfected contemporary crafting techniques that very closely mimic the appearance and performance of ancient Damascus swords. These processes utilize extreme heat and hand-forging techniques to recreate the dramatic, striking look, feel, and strength of Damascus swords from centuries ago.
Among our most popular Damascus steel items is our exclusive lineup of Shinwa™ Damascus swords. Each one is hand or heat forged at incredibly high temperatures, then honed to a razor-sharp edge. These quality Damascus swords masterfully recreate the legendary pieces from centuries ago and are heirloom-worthy items that will be cherished for generations.
One of our best-selling Damascus swords is our Shinwa™ Black Night katana. More than 2000 layers of Damascus steel encapsulate the blade, which has been heat forged and honed to a razor-sharp edge capable of effortlessly slicing through almost anything. The exceptional blade is finished in black, with each one offering its own individual, unique pattern. At 40” overall, this masterpiece is built to perform. The hardwood handle features genuine ray skin with nylon cord wrappings. A coordinating hardwood scabbard is included to house or carry this exceptional Damascus sword.
One of our best-selling Damascus swords is our Shinwa™ Black Night katana. More than 2000 layers of Damascus steel encapsulate the blade, which has been heat forged and honed to a razor-sharp edge capable of effortlessly slicing through almost anything. The exceptional blade is finished in black, with each one offering its own individual, unique pattern. At 40” overall, this masterpiece is built to perform. The hardwood handle features genuine ray skin with nylon cord wrappings. A coordinating hardwood scabbard is included to house or carry this exceptional Damascus sword.
Another one of our most popular Shinwa Damascus swords is the Purple Knight. Built very much like the Shinwa™ Black Night, the Purple Knight features a 27 ½” razor-sharp blade, wrapped in thousands of layers of beautiful Damascus steel, finished off with a purple ray skin and nylon cord-wrapped hardwood handle. A brass menuki and cast zinc tsuba add authenticity, character, and detail to this edged masterpiece. It measures 38 ½” overall and has devastating strength. A coordinating hardwood scabbard is included to house or carry this Damascus sword as well.
Another one of our most popular Shinwa Damascus swords is the Purple Knight. Built very much like the Shinwa™ Black Night, the Purple Knight features a 27 ½” razor-sharp blade, wrapped in thousands of layers of beautiful Damascus steel, finished off with a purple ray skin and nylon cord-wrapped hardwood handle. A brass menuki and cast zinc tsuba add authenticity, character, and detail to this edged masterpiece. It measures 38 ½” overall and has devastating strength. A coordinating hardwood scabbard is included to house or carry this Damascus sword as well.
Another example of contemporary craftsmanship in Damascus swords from Shinwa™ is this Regal Katana. The exceptionally handsome, heat-forged Damascus blade measures 28 ½” overall, is honed to a razor’s edge, and is built for strong performance. The blade has been meticulously folded with 2000 layers of beautiful Damascus steel to create a stunning, regal katana that would make any collector proud. Genuine ray skin, heavy cord wrappings, and a cast zinc menuki and tsuba complete this outstanding design. It measures in at 40” overall, and includes a custom coordinating hardwood scabbard.
Another example of contemporary craftsmanship in Damascus swords from Shinwa™ is this Regal Katana. The exceptionally handsome, heat-forged Damascus blade measures 28 ½” overall, is honed to a razor’s edge, and is built for strong performance. The blade has been meticulously folded with 2000 layers of beautiful Damascus steel to create a stunning, regal katana that would make any collector proud. Genuine ray skin, heavy cord wrappings, and a cast zinc menuki and tsuba complete this outstanding design. It measures in at 40” overall, and includes a custom coordinating hardwood scabbard.
If you want the absolute best of the best, then this Zatoichi from Shinwa was designed just for you! You won’t find a more functional or beautiful sword at this price than the Black Zatoichi Damascus Sword! Thoughtfully and meticulously heat forged and folded with more than 2000 layers of the most beautiful and striking Damascus patterns you have ever seen, this sword belongs in every Damascus sword enthusiast’s collection. It is heirloom worthy, and will be cherished for generations. The color, pattern, and finish of the blade are exceptional in every sense of the word. The razor-sharp, double-edged blade would impress the finest of the ancient metal smiths who crafted Damascus swords thousands of years ago. The hardwood handle features genuine ray skin and decorative cord wrappings, and is further accented by the cast tsuba and menuki, which lend more authenticity and detail to this mighty Damascus sword. It measures in at a commanding 40 ¾” overall, and includes a coordinating hardwood scabbard.
If you want the absolute best of the best, then this Zatoichi from Shinwa was designed just for you! You won’t find a more functional or beautiful sword at this price than the Black Zatoichi Damascus Sword! Thoughtfully and meticulously heat forged and folded with more than 2000 layers of the most beautiful and striking Damascus patterns you have ever seen, this sword belongs in every Damascus sword enthusiast’s collection. It is heirloom worthy, and will be cherished for generations. The color, pattern, and finish of the blade are exceptional in every sense of the word. The razor-sharp, double-edged blade would impress the finest of the ancient metal smiths who crafted Damascus swords thousands of years ago. The hardwood handle features genuine ray skin and decorative cord wrappings, and is further accented by the cast tsuba and menuki, which lend more authenticity and detail to this mighty Damascus sword. It measures in at a commanding 40 ¾” overall, and includes a coordinating hardwood scabbard.
To keep your Shinwa™ Damascus swords in pristine condition, try our exclusive Shinwa sword cleaning kit. This will help you to maintain the high quality and exceptional beauty of your Damascus swords as you enjoy them for years to come. This custom care kit includes a brass awl to dismantle the sword, rice papers for cleaning oil from the blade, an extra large uchiko powder ball, a bottle of chojil oil to prevent rusting and maintain the integrity of the steel, a plastic container to store oiled cloths and a parchment certificate/care sheet for complete instructions on proper maintenance.
To keep your Shinwa™ Damascus swords in pristine condition, try our exclusive Shinwa sword cleaning kit. This will help you to maintain the high quality and exceptional beauty of your Damascus swords as you enjoy them for years to come. This custom care kit includes a brass awl to dismantle the sword, rice papers for cleaning oil from the blade, an extra large uchiko powder ball, a bottle of chojil oil to prevent rusting and maintain the integrity of the steel, a plastic container to store oiled cloths and a parchment certificate/care sheet for complete instructions on proper maintenance.
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