Designed under the auspices of cutting master James Williams the Raptor series has been created for the cutting practitioner who does not necessarily have access to mats but who wishes to practice and perfect his cutting technique. The blades are forged in 5160 high-carbon steel and specially heat treated to produce very high resilience and greater tolerance of misdirected cuts than a conventional differentially tempered blade. This steel structure also avoids the need for excessive thickness, allowing the blades to replicate the weight and handling characteristics of Japanese originals. The edge geometry is configured to facilitate the cutting of both soft and semi-hard materials without chipping, allowing the cutter a wide choice of targets.
Each katana in the series features a unique blade style, each with its origins in Japanese swordmaking history, providing the cutting practitioner with choices in both aesthetics and handling characteristics.
Raptor Series Construction Details:
- Blades - Forged from 5160 high-carbon steel, marquenched to an edge hardness of 57HRc.
- Tangs (Nakago) - Full length, double pegged.
- Ferrules (Habaki) - Brass
- Handles (Tsuka) - Wood core, genuine rayskin (Same), special non-stretch sueded wrap (Tsuka-ito) for firm grip and wear resistance. Raptor feathers hilt ornaments (Menuki).
- Guards (Tsuba) - Traditional blackened iron, Raptor motif.
- Fittings (Fuchi/Kashira) - Blackened steel, Raptor motif.
- Scabbards (Saya) - Wood, non-fingerprinting textured lacquer finish.
View all Raptor Series Katana
Raptor Unokubi Zukuri - SH2415
The Raptor Unokubi-Zukuri (Cormorant's Neck) blade design is patterned after the shape of the Naginata, the powerful long-handled weapon popular between the 12th and 14th centuries. Notable for the strongly relieved shinogi-ji and diamond-shaped kissaki, the Unokubi-Zukuri provides excellent balance in a strong cutting blade.
Raptor Shobu Zukuri - SH2417
The Raptor Shobu-Zukuri(Iris Leaf) blade has an elegant shape and powerful cutting ability. Notable for the absence of a Yokote transition, this blade design became popular during the Nanbokucho era (1336 ~1392 AD) and its popularity continued into the Muromachi period.
Raptor Shinogi Zukuri - SH2414
The Raptor Shinogi-Zukuri blade, which has evolved as the most common Japanese katana blade design, provides both speed and cutting power. Featuring a distinct yokote, such blades were originally produced after the Heian period, around 987 AD.
Raptor Wakizashi - SH2422
Raptor Tanto - SH2423
While the Wakizashi and Tanto of the Raptor series providing matching pieces for any of the Raptor katanas, they are in their own right designed as very effective cutting tools. Made in the blade style of James Williams' personal Nami Ryu swords, these pieces will allow the cutting practitioner to perfect techniques for each of the three weapons, at the same time as they complete an impressive display.
