Allow yourself to make it Legendary.

Some pieces you talk yourself out of. Too much, not right now, maybe one day. But the grails don't wait — and "maybe one day" is how they become the ones that got away.

So don't talk yourself out of this one. Claim "Emperor's Protector" Samurai Master Katana now, and pay for it at your own pace. No lenders, no credit checks, no interest — just you, quietly building the collection you actually want.

How it works:

• Pay your deposit here to open your reservation — that's it claimed, and it's yours in waiting.
• Cinders sees it safely onto The Hoard, where Mafoo the Box Goblin frets over it until the day it's fully yours.
• Pay off the rest however suits you — any amount, whenever. We'll nudge you gently so you always know where you stand.
• The last pound lands, and it ships. We never dispatch until it's completely yours.

Worth knowing before you commit:

• Your price is locked in today. Whatever happens to it later, you pay what you agreed.
• Changed your mind? Full refund within 14 days; after that, whatever you've paid becomes Forge credit that never expires. Nowt's ever lost.
• The full rules live in our Layaway — The Hoard terms: Layaway Scheme T&Cs.

Emperor's Protector – Minamoto Hand Forged Folded Steel Clay Tempered Katana

Imperial elegance. Traditional craftsmanship. A blade worthy of an emperor.

Introducing Emperor's Protector, a premium hand-forged katana from our Minamoto collection, combining traditional Japanese sword-making techniques with exquisite decorative detailing.

Featuring a folded steel blade with genuine clay tempering, a natural hamon and beautiful mother-of-pearl saya, this exceptional katana is a stunning centrepiece for any serious Japanese sword collection.

⚔️ Hand Forged, Folded & Clay Tempered

Emperor's Protector features a hand-forged folded steel blade, crafted using traditional Japanese-inspired forging techniques.

The blade undergoes differential clay tempering, creating a harder cutting edge while maintaining greater toughness along the spine.

This process produces a genuine natural hamon (temper line), rather than an artificially etched pattern.

With a specified hardness of HRC 58 and a traditional no-bo-hi blade design, Emperor's Protector combines impressive craftsmanship with a classic, uninterrupted blade profile.

🏯 Exquisite Traditional Detailing

The wooden tsuka (handle) features genuine stingray skin (samegawa) beneath traditional cotton handle wrapping (tsukamaki).

The hardwood saya (scabbard) is beautifully decorated with mother-of-pearl detailing and genuine buffalo horn fittings, complemented by an elegant black silk sageo.

Handmade brass tsuba and fittings complete the sword's refined appearance, creating a truly distinctive collector's piece.

✨ Key Features

• ⚔️ Hand-forged folded steel blade – traditional Japanese-inspired craftsmanship

• 🔥 Genuine clay tempering – differential hardening with a natural hamon

• 🗡️ No bo-hi – classic blade profile without a groove

• 💎 HRC 58 blade hardness – manufacturer-specified hardness

• 🐉 Genuine stingray skin – beneath traditional cotton tsukamaki

• 🌸 Mother-of-pearl decorated hardwood saya – with genuine buffalo horn detailing

• 🏯 Handmade brass tsuba and fittings – elegant traditional styling

• 🎁 Complete presentation set – wooden box, silk sleeve, cleaning kit and display stand included

📏 Technical Specifications

🗡️ A Katana Worthy of Imperial Protection

Combining traditional folded steel, genuine clay tempering and exquisite mother-of-pearl detailing, Emperor's Protector celebrates the elegance and artistry of Japanese sword-making.

With its premium materials, handmade brass fittings and complete presentation set, this is a magnificent addition to any Minamoto collection.

Includes wooden presentation box, silk sleeve, cleaning kit and display stand.

Please note: This is a high-carbon steel collector's sword intended for responsible adult ownership and display. Not suitable for sparring or theatrical combat.

🇬🇧 Fast UK Shipping – From The Sword Stall

PLEASE BE AWARE – All our replicas are intended for ornamental display or historical interest only. Nothing we sell is recommended or suitable for combat and such use is strictly prohibited.

Legal & Safety Notice

🔞 Sold to adults aged 18+ only

Age Verification:
This product is sold to adults aged 18 years and over. By purchasing, you confirm that you meet this requirement. Orders may be subject to age verification checks prior to dispatch, and we reserve the right to cancel any order where age cannot be satisfactorily verified.

Important Information

• This katana is supplied as a traditional hand-crafted blade and is not sold for self-defence or unlawful use

• Customers are responsible for safe handling and secure storage

• Ownership and use may be subject to local laws, customers should ensure compliance in their jurisdiction