This is a hand made 1095 carbon steel katana clay tempered to a 63-64 HRC on the edge, or at least that is what the manufacturer stated. I have no reason to doubt it because the blade has preformed very well in the few test cuts I have made with this blade. The edge they gave it is what I would call "Practice Sharp", it is fully sharp enough to cut stuff off if you're not careful, but also far from as sharp as a Katana is able to be. The grip is constructed with bamboo pins and feels nice. The Hamon subtle but lovely and it is a very nice sword. It did come with a small couple small scuffs in the black coating on the Tsuba but that is the only "blemish" on this piece. I wouldn't even sell it...but my collection is a bit out of hand, so it is time to thin it out. This sword could sit proudly among any collection.