Each piece in the Wind & Thunder Set (SH5001 & SH5003) has a hand-forged 1065 high-carbon steel blade (nagasa) and is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. The blades in the set feature a large o-kissaki. The Wind & Thunder Set is fitted with the black iron Raiden tsuba and Tomoe mon motif fuchi and kashira. The handle is wrapped in genuine ray skin (same) and the tsuka-ito and sageo are premium Japanese black cotton. The saya is done in a deep black lacquer and the sageo is black Japanese cotton. CAS/Hanwei have designed a cutting katana with thicker and heavier blades specifically for the martial artist that needs a sword for the demands of cutting the larger goza (tameshigiri). This set is ideal for those looking for a katana for the rigors of Battojutsu. KEY FEATURES: * High-carbon steel blade * Deep black lacquer saya * Genuine ray skin MEASUREMENTS: HANDLE LENGTH: 5 1/2 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 15 1/2 inches WEIGHT: 11oz THICKNESS: .24 inches