Golden Oriole Wakizashi - Paul Chen Hanwei

Paul Chen Golden Oriole Wakizashi - SH1019

The elegantly simple lines of the Golden Oriole Daisho (SH1018, SH1019) have long been favored by admirers of the Japanese sword. The story told by the stunning tsuba is of a mantis stealthily stalking the cricket, unaware that he is himself being stalked by the Golden Oriole. The deeply lacquered blue of the saya is repeated in the Japanese cotton tsuka-ito, and the Oriole appears again on the kashira.

During the Muromachi period (1568-1603), the introduction of the pairing of the Katana (the curved sword) and Wakizashi was introduced. The Wakizashi, or the shorter companion blade to the Katana, was about 18 inches long. Only the warrior class - the Samurai - was allowed to wear the two swords, which remained a custom for the next several hundred years until abolished in the 19th century. This Wakizashi is the companion piece to the Golden Oriole Katana (SH1018), with matching fittings and blade construction. Supplied with protective cloth bag and traditional maintenance kit.

Key Features:
Forged High Carbon Steel Blade
Built for Cutting
Traditional Construction

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20"
Handle Length: 6 3/4"
Overall Length: 27 1/2"
Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
Point of Balance: 4"
Width at Guard: 1.07"
Width at Tip: 0.75"
Thickness at Guard: 0.28"
Thickness at Tip: 0.20"
Sori: 1/2"

Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

This sword comes with a cotton storage bag and a Paul Chen Hanwei Traditional Sword Mainenance Kit.