Each piece in the Shinto Daisho (SH1001 & SH1015) has a hand-forged 1065 high-carbon steel blade (nagasa) and is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. The Shinto Daisho is mounted in black and the tsuka-ito is made of premium black Japanese cotton. The saya is done in a deep black lacquer with a black cotton sageo. A finely rendered dragon, detailed in gold, with true front-and-back detail, forms the black iron tsuba. The fittings are superbly antiqued adding to the aesthetics of the set. The blades feature a groove (bo-hi) on both sides and are constructed with a medium length (chu) kissaki. The incredibly popular Shinto Daisho is the cornerstone of our CAS/Hanwei line of Samurai weapons. KEY FEATURES: * Forged high-carbon steel blade * Built for cutting * Traditional construction MEASUREMENTS: BLADE LENGTH: 27 inches HANDLE LENGTH: 11 3/4 inches PRODUCT WIDTH: 1.15 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 39 1/2 inches WEIGHT: 1lb 14oz THICKNESS: .260 This sword is made by Hanwei - the standard-setter in the replica sword industry.