The Kotetsu

There are a wide variety of Japanese style swords available in today’s market ranging from production blades made in China to semi custom, and custom blades made in the US. Each manufacturer holds offerings that cater to specific applications. One of the more popular applications is Tameshigiri, or test cutting. Tameshigiri is most commonly associated with the practice of cutting tatami-omote. Different ryuha approach tameshigiri differently, and some not at all. Tozai Imports is proud to offer the Kotetsu design by Hataya Mitsuo Sensei and Kenpaku Yasutoshi of Sagamihara.

The Kotetsu is created in Thailand by students of Mr. Kenpaku. Hand forged from Swedish Powdered steel, the Kotetsu has all of the characteristics one could want in a Japanese style sword.

While the blade and habaki are made in Thailand, the swords are completed and assembled in Japan. Keeping with tradition, the tsuka, and saya are made from Japanese Honoki wood. Each is carved for an individual blade, thereby insuring a proper fit. Because the Kotetsu are intended for cutting, each saya has a copper strip inlaid into the Ha side, between the kurigata and koiguchi. This simple addition will save the swordsman’s hand in the event of a poorly executed nukitsuke.

The koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri are all hand crafted from real water buffalo horn, and the entire saya is finished in a deep traditional black lacquer.

The copper habaki is wrapped in silver foil and boasts a decorative rain pattern.

Each iron tsuba is hand fit to the sword, and varies in design from blade to blade.

The fuchi / kashira are cast steel with a silver plate finish. The current themes are Higo and Wave patterns.

The tsukamaki makes use of suede leather or silk ito.

The polish on the blade is an Iai polish which brings out the real gunome hamon in each blade.

Strong and resilient, the Kotetsu is the preferred choice of for many of the top ranked participants in both the US and Japan Batto-do Tai Kai’s. The Kotetsu’s performance has been outstanding even in the sword bending events of Dodan, Futomaki, and Yokonarabi.

The Kotetsu is fully endorsed by Big Tony Alvarez and the members of the Senpokan Dojo, as well as the US Federation of Batto Do, the Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei and the US Federation of Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo.

The Kotetsu katana and wakizashi are available in various lengths and wraps. We are unable to preorder, or build to suit. We can, however work with various craftsmen to customize your sword.

For Purchase information Contact Big Tony