Akikaze Wakizashi (赤風) – Copper Wind

Akikaze Wakizashi (赤風) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• T10 steel blade with bo-hi, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Bo-Hi (棒樋): visible on the blade.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): wooden scabbard covered with braided leather straps.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): made of faux black stingray leather and wood.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): black braided above the handle in diamond patterns.
• Menuki (目貫): golden dragon.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): round copper guard engraved with bamboo and checkerboard patterns.
• Fuchi (縁): copper engraved with woven bamboo motifs.
• Kashira (頭): copper engraved with woven bamboo motifs.
• Habaki (鎺): brass with kamon.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 20.08in
• Overall length including handle: 29.92in
• Length with scabbard: 30.71in
• Handle length: 7.87in
• Blade thickness: 0.28in
• Blade width: 1.26in
• Weight: 2.43 lb
• Package weight: 3.09 lb

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Katana stand: Not included

Akikaze Wakizashi: design and finishes

The Akikaze takes its name from the kanji 赤風, which literally means “red wind” or “copper wind.” In Japanese tradition, the red wind symbolizes transformation and the passing of the seasons, while copper represents durability and beauty that improves with age. The name therefore evokes a sword that accompanies change while retaining its timeless strength.

The T10 steel blade reveals a polished surface that subtly captures the light, while the bo-hi carved into the steel lightens the overall effect and produces a characteristic whistling sound when the sword is moved. The circular engraved copper tsuba features delicate bamboo and checkerboard patterns. The handle harmoniously combines black stingray skin (samegawa) and wood, covered with black diamond-patterned braiding (tsuka-ito) that ensures a firm and elegant grip. The menuki represent a golden dragon blossoming beneath the braiding, a symbol of strength and wisdom. The fuchi and kashira feature the same woven bamboo motifs engraved in copper. The brass habaki decorated with a traditional kamon and the wooden scabbard covered with woven leather straps complete the ensemble.