Maeda Keiji's Sekino Magoroku Koshirae - Heavyweight Blade

Historical Background Maeda Toshimasu, better known as Maeda Keiji, was a Japanese samurai of the Civil War Period through the early Edo Period. When the Tokugawa challenged the Uesugi in 1600, he fought with Uesugi's army. In the battle against the Mogami, he broke through the enemy lines with only eight riders, shattering their formation. After the Uesugi clan's move to the Yonezawa Domain, Toshimasu remained with them, serving as a retainer.  Specifications The Tensho style Fuchi/Kashira is made of brass and finished in an antique silver style. Tsuba is quite large and heavy, featuring an eagle on a pine tree. This motif may also be a nod to Maeda Keiji's favorite horse, Matsukaze (literally wind in pine trees). The Menuki are made of silver and feature a large dragon. The Tsuka is bound with blue cotton over red-lacquered stingray skin. A Shuro saya (vermilion gloss finish) helps tie the koshirae together. The Sageo is a unique hand-woven Sanadahimo cord with sophisticated two-tone colors.  The extra wide blade is made of sand-cased, reinforced zinc/aluminum alloy and provides superb balance for dynamic movements. The Hamon pattern reproduces the Kanemoto in fine style. Each part of this koshirae is uncompromisingly hand-assembled by the Japanese sword craftsman, who is an expert in making genuine Japanese swords.  Blade: available up to 2.70 shaku. Weight: (without Saya) approximately 1000 gram (for 2.50 shaku). Proudly made in Japan. *Iaito are made with an aluminum zinc alloy blade and cannot be sharpened.