For over 50 years, Honshu Swords has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality swords and related accessories. Our mission is to provide our customers with exceptional blades that stand the test of time.
Our History
Honshu Swords was founded in 1968 by Masamune Honshu, a Japanese sword smith from a long lineage of master craftsmen. Masamune dreamed of making authentic yet affordable Japanese swords accessible to martial arts practitioners and collectors worldwide.
He opened a small forge in Seki City, Japan’s famous sword-making region. There, Masamune combined traditional sword making techniques with modern technologies to produce blades with exceptional durability, balance, and sharpness.
Word of Honshu’s excellent swords spread quickly. Orders poured in from dojos, theaters, collectors, and more. To meet demand, Masamune moved production to a larger facility and hired skilled swordsmiths to join his team.
In 1972, Honshu Swords opened its first international office in Los Angeles. This enabled us to export swords globally and establish a strong presence in the United States martial arts market.
Over the next decades, Honshu continued gaining popularity for making durable, authentic, yet affordable Japanese style swords. We pioneered new technologies like vacuum tempering to enhance the strength, flexibility, and edge-retention of our blades.
Today, Honshu Swords produces over 10,000 blades per year across four factories. We provide swords to over 9,000 martial arts schools, theater groups, collectors, and more. Our vast product line includes everything from katanas to medieval longswords to fantasy blades.
Staying true to our roots, every Honshu blade combines traditional Japanese sword designs with modern innovations to achieve extraordinary performance. We are proud to carry on the centuries-old traditions of Japanese sword smithing.
Our Sword Making Process
Honshu Swords meticulously handcrafts each blade through a detailed process refined over decades. Our smiths train for years to master the techniques that give Honshu blades their superb balance, durability, and edge.
The process begins by heating and folding layers of steel multiple times. This removes impurities while evenly distributing carbon throughout the steel for enhanced flexibility and strength. The steel gets repeatedly heated, hammered, and folded until the desired carbon content and hardness is achieved.
Our smiths then shape the steel into blades using processes like stamping, grinding, and manual hammering. They carefully clay-coat parts of the blade to create the unique hardened edge and softer spine that enables optimal sharpness and shock-absorption.
The shaped blade undergoes a complex heat treatment to permanently set its shape and harden the steel. After polishing and etching the finished blade, our inspectors rigorously test it for proper curvature, temper lines, and sharpness.
The tang gets set into a hilt carved of strong wood, wrapped in cord, and finished with decorations. The completed sword undergoes final quality assurance checks before getting sheathed and packaged.
This intensive process allows us to create resilient, meticulously crafted swords optimized for the rigors of martial arts and stage combat. Our commitment to traditional techniques results in blades of exceptional durability, balance, and edge retention.
Our Product Line
The Honshu Swords catalog features an extensive selection of blades for collectors, martial artists, theatrical performers, and more.
Japanese Style Swords
Our katana, wakizashi, tanto, and ninjato exemplify classic Japanese sword design. Available with either traditional or modernized fittings, these curved swords offer tremendous cutting power, flexibility, and durability.
Medieval Swords
We craft medieval style longswords, arming swords, claymores, and broadswords with resilient full tang construction. Their broad double-edged blades balance power with agility.
Fantasy Swords
Honshu fantasy pieces encompass everything from sleek elven blades to brutish orc cleavers. These creatively designed swords feature ornate details fit for a fantastical adventure.
Accessories
To help care for and carry your swords, we offer maintenance kits, edge guards, sheaths, straps, stands, and more. Ensure your blade’s optimal performance with Honshu accessories.
While encompassing a wide variety of styles, all our swords share an emphasis on authentic design, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship.
Our Commitment to Quality
Honshu Swords takes pride in producing blades of extraordinary quality and value. We are committed to the following principles:
- Expert Craftsmanship: Our experienced swordsmiths are experts at combining traditional and modern techniques. Their mastery translates into swords of exceptional durability, balance, and edge retention.
- Premium Materials: We forge blades using only high carbon steel sourced from trusted mills. Our woods are hand-selected for optimal grain and resilience. These quality materials withstand the rigors of intense use.
- Authentic Design: Every blade faithfully replicates styles from various cultures and time periods. Extensive research ensures accurate shaping, tapering, and detailing.
- Rigorous Testing: Inspectors subject completed swords to an array of cuts, flexibility tests, and examinations to ensure premium build quality. Blades must pass these stringent assessments before leaving our workshop.
- Continuous Improvement: We continually refine our processes and source innovative materials to enhance durability and performance. Our research and development efforts focus on making good swords even better.
- Lasting Value: By producing high volumes and controlling costs, we can offer exceptional swords at very accessible prices. Our quality and affordability make Honshu a favorite of sword enthusiasts worldwide.
Honshu Swords has spent 50 years perfecting the craft of sword making. The expertise forged over thousands of blades enables us to provide customers with exceptional quality at fair prices. Each sword that bears our mark exemplifies our commitment to authenticity and excellence.
Serving Our Customers
In addition to making premier swords, Honshu Swords strives to provide all customers with a stellar experience.
For Martial Artists
Honshu’s durable, balanced blades have been vital gear for martial arts dojos for decades. Our swords are rigorously tested to withstand intense practice and contact drills. Students can hone their skills with confidence using a Honshu training weapon.
We also offer an excellent selection of wooden bokken and iaito for practitioners looking for non-edged training swords. For kendo players, our shinai boast excellent flex and impact-absorption.
Marshall artists trust Honshu swords to accompany them throughout their journey in the martial arts. We are honored to help equip these disciplined students.
For Performers
Theatrical performers have relied on Honshu blades for vivid stage combat since our founding. Our world-class construction lets actors execute demanding choreography without worrying about durability.
We craft our theatrical blades from resilient alloys that flex to prevent snapping. Unique tip designs prevent accidental contact. Performers can stay focused on their scenes rather than their swords.
From broad fantasy epics to intimate dramas, Honshu weapons infuse productions with excitement and realism. We are proud to arm these creative artists.
For Collectors
Honshu Swords offers pieces that make treasured additions to any sword collection. Our eye-catching fantasy blades display creative embellishments and themes. We also craft excellent replicas of famed Asian and European edged weapons.
Collectors will delight in the craftsmanship evident in each Honshu piece. We aim to provide sword enthusiasts with designs that intrigue the eye while also impressing in hand.
No matter your interests, our vast catalog lets you acquire superb swords to showcase and pass down for generations. We invite all aficionados to view our galleries.
Moving Forward
In the over 50 years since our founding, Honshu Swords has grown from a small forge to one of the largest sword makers worldwide. However, our commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction remains unchanged.
We will continue refining and expanding our line to provide all sword devotees with exceptional blades. While embracing innovations, our respect for tradition keeps us grounded.
Honshu Swords looks forward to the next 50 years of arming martial artists, performers, collectors, and sword lovers worldwide with remarkable blades. We welcome you to learn more about our products and story. Please also reach out with any questions or comments.