Citadel SC4003 Bamboo Katana 27-1/2" Blade, Limited Edition Model 3

$2,799.00

Part #: CISC4003 | Citadel Knives

Description

CISC4003: SC4003 Bamboo Citadel Katana

Citadel

This is the third in the series of Limited Edition katana from Citadel Knives and Swords. Each sword is signed by the smith on the nakago with the sword number, limited to 100 swords before the model is retired.

This rendition of the classical bamboo themed katana is a light and fast sword. Hand forged from imported European 1075 high carbon steel the differentially hardened blade features a "bo-hi" or fuller to lighten and balance the blade without sacrificing strength. This is an extremely collectible and capable sword.

The tsuba is hand cut and engraved from pure iron. The "nanako" or stippled pattern on the tsuba is accomplished by hand, quite a feat of patience with a stunning result. The tsuba also features "seki-gane", metal inserts at the top and bottom of the hole for the blade to slip through. These are of a softer metal (copper) than the iron of the tsuba and allow easier shaping of the hole to perfectly fit the tsuba to the blade. Over time if this fit becomes loose or the tsuba is fitted to another blade the seki-gane may be adjusted easily to tighten it back up. This is a small detail usually only found on hand-made Japanese tsuba and is indicative of the level of care and craftsmanship given to these swords by Citadel.

The "tsuka" or handle and "saya" or scabbard are hand carved to fit each individual blade ensuring a proper fit. The handle is wrapped in genuine imported silk form Japan and tightly wrapped around the full same-gawa or ray skin wrap around the wooden core. The saya is lacquered in black to a nice semi-gloss finish with a ray skin wrap near the mouth of the saya to strengthen this area.

In hand this sword feels as if it is a natural extension to your arm, a truly exceptional experience.

Made by Citadel Knives and Swords.

Features

  • Handmade by skilled artisans
  • Hand carved fittings of pure iron
  • Limited Edition of 100

Specifications

  • Overall: 40-3/8"
  • Blade Length: 27-3/4"
  • Handle Length: 11"
  • Weight: 2lb 3oz
  • Point of Balance: 4-3/4"
  • Thickness at Guard: 0.25"
  • Thickness at Tip: 0.2"
  • Sori: 3/4"
  • Blade Steel: 1075 High Carbon Steel
  • Made in Cambodia

Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

UPC Code: 615642026198

Related Categories

Citadel Knives, Swords Series, 1075 Blade Steel, Ray Skin Handle Material, Swords, Swords Asian Style, Made in Cambodia

Product Steel Type Badge: 1075 Carbon Steel
Citadel SC4003 Bamboo Katana 27-1/2" Blade, Limited Edition Model 3rated 4.500 stars out of 5 (2 reviews)
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Citadel SC4003 Bamboo Katana 27-1/2" Blade, Limited Edition Model 3
rated 4 stars out of 5
Neal P.
DC Metro Area
Feb 01, 2024
Pros: Blade Material, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Usable
Cons: None
I got Chi's returned blade
Unpacked Chi's returned sword this AM, a lot of plastic wrapping, was a pain to get it off (OK, my snivel of the day). All the pieces were perfectly fitted, and incredibly tight. grasping the saya with my left hand, and a strong push on the tsuba, the habaki was fully exposed; the brass was perfectly fitted to the blade. From Kissaki to Nakago the workmanship is excellent. The only flaw in my book (sorry Chi) the yabika, needs some tender loving care with a 15k and 30k ceramic polishing stone to get the blade to a fine razor sharp level. The balance and feel are great, light weight, and slices thru the air with that unexplainable/ traditional sound. I will never cut a mat with this blade, only meat and bone, it would be a sin to use this blade for anything else. In fact I'm seriously thinking of taking it to hunt ferrel pigs. As is, I think this katana could be rated as a 2-4 body blade depending on the strength of the wielder. Bottomline an excellent blade that needs some sharping, but deserves a great deal of respect; very close to my traditional tamahagane blades.
Citadel SC4003 Bamboo Katana 27-1/2" Blade, Limited Edition Model 3
rated 5 stars out of 5
Chi H
china, red dragon
Jan 19, 2017
Pros: Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Usable
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard
Citadel SC4003 Bamboo Katana 27-1/2" Blade, Limited Edition Model 3
Best sword, but i cut my pinky had to return it too sharp for me.