Type 98 Shin Gunto with Real Hamon | Full Tang Folded Damascus Steel Iron-Wrapped Wood Scabbard 103cm

The Type 98 Shin Gunto is an authentic, handcrafted reproduction of the iconic Japanese Imperial Army officer's sword, issued from 1938 through the end of WWII. Hand-forged from folded Damascus steel with differential clay tempering to produce a vivid natural Hamon and ~60 HRC edge hardness, this sword faithfully captures the martial spirit and craftsmanship of the Imperial era. Mounted in a solid wood scabbard fully wrapped in iron with traditional baked lacquer and paired with pure copper fittings in antique patina finish, the Type 98 Shin Gunto stands as a bold collector's centerpiece and a tribute to military history. For martial artists, collectors, and military history enthusiasts. For ages 18+.

Who Is This For?

The Type 98 Shin Gunto is the premier choice for:

• WWII Military History Collectors: Enthusiasts seeking an authentic handcrafted reproduction of the Japanese Imperial Army Type 98 officer's sword with period-correct iron mounts and antique copper fittings.
• Damascus & Folded Steel Connoisseurs: Collectors who seek the hypnotic layered hada grain of authentic folded Damascus steel, combined with a vibrant natural Hamon and ~60 HRC edge hardness.
• Martial Arts Practitioners: Those who appreciate a well-balanced 103cm full-tang sword with authentic military profile for kata practice and display.
• Executive & Leadership Gift Buyers: Individuals seeking a distinguished military heritage presentation piece symbolizing discipline, strength, and historical significance.
• Display & Home Decor Collectors: Those looking for a bold, dramatic statement piece combining martial history with master-level handcraft artistry.

Bullet Points

• Hand-forged folded Damascus steel blade with intricate layered grain pattern and exceptional edge performance
• Differentially clay tempered with an authentic, naturally developed Hamon temper line (~60 HRC)
• Full tang construction extending securely through the 26cm handle for lifelong structural durability
• Solid wood scabbard fully wrapped in iron with traditional baked lacquer finish for a bold, martial aesthetic
• Pure copper tsuba and fittings finished in antique patina for authentic WWII-era military character
• 103cm overall length with a refined 1.20kg net blade weight for effortless balance and point control
• Complete luxury presentation set with brocade gift box, sword oil, and cleaning cloth
• Ships from US warehouse — fast domestic delivery. 18+ only.

Features

Hand-Forged Folded Damascus Steel Blade
The Type 98 Shin Gunto blade is hand-forged from folded Damascus steel through repeated heating and folding, creating a distinctive layered grain pattern (hada) visible along the blade. This traditional process yields a blade of exceptional wear resistance, edge retention, and structural integrity.

Differential Clay Tempering with Real Hamon
Clay tempered using classical Japanese techniques. The cutting edge is rapidly quenched to achieve superior hardness (~60 HRC), while the spine cools slowly to retain shock-absorbing elasticity, revealing an authentic, undulating natural Hamon along the blade.

Iron Baked Lacquer-Wrapped Solid Wood Scabbard
The scabbard (Saya) is crafted from solid wood and fully wrapped in iron finished with a traditional baked lacquer coating. This construction delivers exceptional durability and the bold, martial aesthetic characteristic of authentic Type 98 military mounts.

Pure Copper Antique Patina Fittings
All fittings — including the tsuba (guard) and habaki — are crafted from pure copper and finished with a classical antique patina, evoking the timeless character of Japanese imperial military swords from the WWII era.

Full Tang Construction
The tang extends throughout the entire 26cm handle in the classical manner, anchored securely to ensure structural durability, balanced weight distribution, and handling safety.

Specifications

Style	Japanese Type 98 Shin Gunto (WWII Imperial Military Edition)
Blade Steel	Folded Damascus Steel
Heat Treatment	Clay Tempered (~60 HRC)
Hamon	Real Hamon (Naturally Formed, Hand-Polished)
Construction	Full Tang
Overall Length	103 cm / 40.55 in
Blade Length	71 cm / 27.95 in
Handle Length	26 cm / 10.24 in
Blade Width	3.2 cm / 1.26 in
Blade Thickness	0.75 cm / 7.5 mm
Total Weight	1.70 kg / 3.75 lb (with Saya)
Net Weight	1.20 kg / 2.65 lb (without Saya)
Fittings	Pure Copper with Antique Patina Finish
Scabbard & Handle	Solid Wood with Iron Baked Lacquer Wrap
Edge	Unsharpened / Collector Edge (Specify on order)

Package

• 1 x Type 98 Shin Gunto Folded Damascus Steel Clay-Tempered Sword
• 1 x Matching Iron Baked Lacquer-Wrapped Solid Wood Scabbard
• 1 x Luxury Brocade Presentation Box
• 1 x Specialized Sword Maintenance Oil
• 1 x Soft Sword Cleaning Cloth
• Protective Packaging

Maintenance

Handle the blade with clean, dry hands whenever possible. After handling, remove fingerprints and moisture using a soft cloth to prevent rust on the folded steel.

Apply a light coat of appropriate sword maintenance oil every 2-3 months to protect the carbon steel blade from corrosion.

Keep the iron-wrapped scabbard away from prolonged moisture exposure to preserve the baked lacquer finish and prevent oxidation.

FAQ

What is the Type 98 Shin Gunto?
The Type 98 Shin Gunto was the standard military sword issued to Japanese Imperial Army officers from 1938 onward. It combined traditional Japanese swordsmanship with modernized military mounts, making it one of the most iconic WWII-era collector swords.

What is folded Damascus steel?
Folded Damascus steel is produced by repeatedly heating, folding, and welding steel billets to create a blade with thousands of layers. This process produces a distinctive wavy grain pattern (hada), superior toughness, and excellent edge retention.

Is this sword handmade?
Yes. Individual forging and folding, clay heat treatment, waterstone polishing, iron scabbard wrapping, and copper fitting finishing are all completed by experienced artisans.

Is this product suitable for display and practice?
Yes, its 1.20kg net weight provides excellent balance for martial arts forms, while its iron-wrapped scabbard and antique copper fittings make it a striking military heritage display piece.

Shipping

Every order is inspected and carefully protected before shipment.

Ships directly from our US warehouse with standard delivery typically within 5-10 business days. Express options available at checkout.

Customers must independently verify all applicable laws and regulations before ordering.

Warranty

We provide support for verified manufacturing defects and shipping-related damage. Contact us within 30 days of delivery with your order details and photographs. Warranty does not cover misuse, unauthorized modification, improper maintenance, or normal wear. 18+ age verification required.

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Important Product Information

Each handmade sword is individually crafted and may have minor variations in blade finish, Hamon, fittings, and Saya compared with product photographs.

Steel type alone does not determine the quality or characteristics of a blade. Heat treatment, blade geometry, construction, polishing, fittings, and craftsmanship all contribute to the final product.

Please carefully review the complete specifications before ordering.

Edge condition: Always check the product specifications to confirm whether the specific model is sharpened or unsharpened.

Legal responsibility: Sword and blade laws vary by country, state, city, and locality. Customers are responsible for confirming that the product can legally be purchased, imported, received, possessed, stored, and used in their location before placing an order.

This product is intended for the purpose stated on its individual product page. Do not modify or alter the product beyond its stated specifications.