Mitsudome

admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:52:30 +0000

This katana is a fully customized differentially clay tempered blade of 1095 steel with superb fit and finish produced at the Zheng Zhong forge Master Zhou Zeng Wu (Chris Zhou) who was crowned winner of Best Contemporary Bladesmiths 2005/2006 “Masters of Fire” exhibition and is known as the best of the traditional swordsmiths of China. It comes with a certificate of authenticity. This is a one of a kind katana. The saya has been finished in a rich dark brown metal flake lacquer finish. The tsuka have been done in a fully wrap of black same with red/black silk ito in the hineri-maki style and mounted with two mekugi. It has been finished off with Dark Brown nakafugi style silk sageo and are delivered in high quality dojo bag and zippered carry case with outside pocket for accessories. Comes with wood boxed cleaning kit.

Blade Length: 27″ Bo-HI

Tsuka Length: 11″

Overall Length: 38 1/2″

Overall Weight (Katana only): 2lb. 6.4 oz

Blade Width Mihaba (machi to yakote): 1 1/4″ – 7/8″

Blade Thickness Kasane (machi to yakote): 1/4″ – 3/16″

Sori (depth): 1/2″ (measured at center point between Habaki to Yakote)

Point of Balance: 4 3/4″ (measured from Tsuba face)

Motif: Carved black steel tsuba with silver Mitsudome. F/K are silver finished higokago style. Tsuka is Red/black hineri-maki silk ito over black same.

Menuki: Silver Dragons

Saya Finish: Gloss metal flake dark Brown

Habaki: TPolished brass

Additional: Black scalloped Seppa and shitidome

Michael Crampton – Shadow Of Leaves

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:43:48 +0000

Greetings and welcome to all martial arts practitioners, sword fanatics and sentient beings. We have some good news and some somewhat sad news to report regarding the Shadow Of Leaves website. Michael Crampton, who was the genius and resident expert behind the Shadow Of Leaves website has retired. From the conversations we had it sounds like Michael wanted to spend more time with his family and friends, going hunting, camping and fishing, and living out the rest of his lifetime in the tradition of the warrior that he has always practiced and exemplified. I’ve recently learned a lot about Mike’s character and contributions to the martial arts community and know that there is nothing but great admiration and respect for his work. He is truly a remarkable fellow and I know he will be greatly missed.

Carrying On The Tradition Of Shadow Of Leaves:

Mike has been gracious enough to let us carry on with Shadow Of Leaves and has sent me the contents of his website so we could reproduce and historically preserve a part of Mr. Cramptons life’s work, passion and wisdom forever. Once this task is complete our mission is to continue in Michaels footsteps by adding the same exceptional articles, quality resources and unique content that made this site so great to begin with. Let me say friends, these are big shoes to fill. I am inspired by this mans spirit, knowledge and commitment to the martial arts community and the respect he has earned throughout the world is humbling to say the least. Thanks again Mike for everything.

Note: I’m trying to persuade Mr. Crampton to be a special guest writer for the site from time to time so please leave a comment and show your support! Kevin