The Fudo was designed in the handachi style, intermediary between tachi and uchigatana koshirae. It was named after Fudo-myoo (the "Immovable") a patron of warriors, guardian of heaven, and member of the Godai Myoo (five wisdom kings) in Japanese Buddhism. The Fudo's design preserves several elements from the larger Kensei Jidai Odachi, such as the kodogu and sugata, including the haba and kasane dimensions. However, the nagasa is shortened to 33" from 39", providing for a more practical drawing length. This combined with the massive weight of the blade, extra wide haba (and thus scant entry angle), and considerable nagasa makes the Fudo an expert in heavy tameshigiri practice.
The blade is hand forged from a single AISI 1070 steel billet. The hamon is authentically achieved by a process of clay-backing and tempering, producing a martensite edge and pearlite body. The edge and polish are finished by hand with natural and synthetic polishing stones for non-decorative practioner's finish. The sugata is in the shinogi-tsukuri style. The fittings are of quality lost wax castings in burnished brass and blackened steel. The handle is fit with extra long rayskin panels wrapped with brown silk cord. The sheath is hand carved softwood, inset with burnished brass semegane and sayajiri, and lacquered in multiple layers to create a unique orange-peel textured finish with a superior grip and lower drag against the obi than smooth lacquer.
The specifications for the Fudo are consistent with descriptions of Handachi used in Shinden Fudo Ryu, one of the sword schools in the Takamatsu-den. It is therefore recommended for the practice of this art.
Includes: Imported Japanese Shigeuchi Sageo.
Sageo Colors: Black with White Spots, Black with Gold Spots, Gold with Black Spots, Solid Black. Subject to Availability.
MSRP: $700
Internet Price: $579
