Last Legend now produces more models and varieties of production competition katanas than any other manufacturer in the world. Think about it, at that time, you could order 8,162 katanas (and we would love you if you ordered them from "us") and not have any two exactly the same. Now that's choice, and finally, it's your choice.

Initially you should understand and appreciate that these swords are 100% handmade. At no time during its creation are any mechanized machinery or assembly tools used. The blade is completely hand-forged, and even the clay utilized to create a hamon line is hand-applied. What this creates is a sword in which no two are exactly identical. Each sword has its own personality. Before we go any further, a reminder that these swords are designed for one purpose and one purpose only--to help you win at martial arts Goza cutting. Consequently, as stated on the labels attached to each box, the sword comes with a very sharp edge, and extreme caution must be used when handling the sword.

So what makes your Last Legend katana so great? Well, they could have built katanas like everyone else, and said “Here are the new katanas--buy them.” But their philosophy has always been that if you’re going to build a mousetrap, make it a better mousetrap. The swords have not only been the result of almost four years of design, building prototypes, sending prototypes to senseis and their students for testing and destruction, and then more design; but most importantly, these swords have been the result of actually listening to what customers have wanted in a sword.

The total blade geometry was one of the critical elements. Last Legend took designs recommended by various senseis, looked at how they performed in prototype stages, and used basic physics to increase their performance. They attempted to improve every little thing they could. It's all those improvements that, together, make all of the difference, and why Last Legend and so many of our customers believe these are the best "production" cutting swords in the world; and no matter what your skill level, you’ll find your success increasing with them. The blade geometry is the most significant result of their research.

Before we get into the individual swords, let's cover the similarities in each series. All the series utilize real samé (ray skin) in either black or white, depending on the model. All models utilize an oversize tang that is triple pinned. Now for those who will cry “foul”, a triple pinned katana is not traditional, we say you’re right and we doubt if it's actually needed, but all the swords in these series are made for competition and to take heavy abuse. There's no cost for the third pin and we consider it an added safety feature and, moreover, it makes the handle tang combination better able to handle the stress and vibration of extreme use as the sword ages though the years. Now if you want to nitpick about tradition, every production katana we've seen has the retaining pins going through the handle at a right angle (straight through). The traditional method to seat the pins is at a diagonal angle in relation to the handle so both sides of the pin are accessible and not hidden by the wrap on one side; and guess what, Last Legend uses only diagonal pinning. Going a little bit further into tradition, we here in America expect all our differentially tempered katanas to be acid dipped, and that’s not traditional, but it's how you get that nice little black line on your hamon, and why occasionally you have novices yelling and screaming on the various sword forums that they purchased a sword with a fake hamon because they used a powder ball containing a coarse grit to clean their blade, rubbed too hard, and ending up removing all those pretty black crystals. The hamon is still there, turn the blade to the light and it pops out, just like in antique swords. Last Legend doesn't acid dip any of their swords, basically Last Legend believes in tradition, as long as it doesn't interfere with safety or performance.

Last Legend is firmly under the belief that you shouldn't have to pay for items or accessories you have no need or desire for, but rather that these items should be an option for the customer who does desire them. This ground breaking policy will become abundantly clear as you read further. An example would be the sword bags. All the swords from the least expensive to the most expensive come with a very nice lined fold over top sword bag that is called the Dojo bag. Now you didn't have to pay for a fancy silk embroidered bag. But if you want one, there is an available silk embroidered presentation bag and blade pillow that matches the color of your tsuka-ito (handle wrap). Again, you don’t have to pay for things that aren't important to you.

Now we'll explain the different model series, and this will help you understand the differences in the current and future swords. The katanas are split into three groups: the 200 Series, 300 Series, and 400 Series. Last Legend is using a unique way of designating all their new katanas. The difference in the series is not the quality of the sword or blade materials, but, put in its simplest terms, with comparable blade design and materials, the difference lies in the amount of intricate handwork in the tsuba and other furniture pieces, as well as the grade of handle wrapping material. Within a series there are different swords, i.e.: 300, 310, 320, etc., and each of those have a unique blade geometry, weight, balance, and most have two blade lengths to choose from, i.e. 28" or 26", 27" or 29", all depending on the model. You'll notice that the blades are a little wider than most (blade edge to Mune). That is to create a shallower angle from the blade edge to the Shinogi. The trailing edge of the blade is narrower than the leading edge. All the blades have a full one inch Sori, plus you'll also find all blades available with or without a Bohi. Now we can't say from experience (yet) that these, among other innovations make a better cutter, but according the the laws of physics and fluid dynamics, they create less drag as the blade passes through a substance. Check it out, Last Legend has. All blade tangs are signed, denoting the blade type and year of manufacture. In the future you'll be able to choose the katana that best fits your style and skill level. No longer having conform your style to, or having to settle for the same katana everyone else has. Last Legend is putting the decision back in your hands. Each katana will have a matching Wakizashi available following the introduction of the katana.

The 200 Series Swords: The 200 Series are specifically targeted toward the person who desires a certain type of blade (materials and/or forging process), but has little regard (or limited funds) for premium Japanese cotton or pure silk tsuka-ito (handle wrap), or for intricate furniture designs. The models initially available are the Field Mk I, Field Mk II, Field Mk IV, Field Mk V, and the Field Mk VII ,with the steels utilized being 1050 steel (Mk I), 1090 steel (Mk II, IV), and what Last Legend fondly refers to as their dual steel forged-folded (Mk V and Mk VII). Before the 200 Series, if you desired a premium blade you also had to cough up the funds for silk, gold, or many other accessories that may have put that blade beyond your budget. The 200 Series has changed that.

The 300 Series: The 300 Series of katanas all feature blades forged from 1090 or the 4096 layered Dual Steel Folded, and are differentially tempered. All swords in this series include premium Japanese cotton tsuka-ito (handle wrap) with black samé, natural horn caps on the Saya (Kojiri and Koiguchi), intricate furniture detailing, including Silver Habaki and Menuki, and a full one inch Sori (blade curve). Plus Last Legend's "You Break It, They Replace It" blade warranty*. There are extra cost options which include • Five different tsuka-ito (handle wrap) colors • Black or white samé (ray skin) • Cryo tempering • Optional blade lengths from 25 inches to 32 inches • Optional handle lengths from 10 inches to 14 inches, with the last two items (blade length and handle length options) available in one inch increments.

The 400 Series folded steel blades: We're not saying that the 400 Series are the best katanas in the world. In fact, we and Last Legend both agree that if you want the absolute best, you should buy a Howard Clark L6 katana, we can say that and we don't even sell his swords. That being said, Last Legend believes their new folded blades go a long way in becoming number one among "production" blades. (Oh, with that statement we can hear the nay sayers already.) But let's take a look at the current crop of other production folded blades. Currently what you'll find out there is that the manufacturer will utilize a single type of steel, sometimes a layered billet. They take that steel, fold it two times, and what do you have--a blade with pretty lines on it. Is that blade stronger? No. With today's metals, making a folded blade out of a single type of steel is not going to make that blade any stronger than a non-folded blade of the same steel. The difference is that you just paid a fortune for the pretty grain and the same strength. What Last Legend has done is to take two bars of different steels and fold them numerous times to result in a blade with 8,192 layers, that's right, the 400 series has been stepped up to 8K layers. Over the last couple of years they've tried numerous steel combinations, and so far what they've found to be the best for their purpose, and not have the blade cost an absolute fortune, is to utilize 1050 and 1090 steels to acquire the strength and resiliency they sought. We watched a video of Last Legend putting one of these swords, which also included the cryo temper option, through unbelievable abuse and were absolutely amazed. Over the last two years Last Legend has destroyed over sixty prototype blades to get to the point where they were happy with the final product.
All 400 Series swords include pure silk tsuka-ito (handle wrap), a saya that is engraved with an image that corresponds to the name of the sword, i.e. dragon, bear, etc. (see photo on the 400 Series page), natural horn caps (Kojiri and Koiguchi), intricate furniture detailing, and a full one inch Sori (blade curve). Plus Last Legend's "You Break It, They Replace It" blade warranty*. There are extra cost options which include • Five different tsuka-ito (handle wrap) colors • Black or white samé (ray skin) • Cryo tempering • Optional blade lengths from 25 inches to 32 inches • Optional handle lengths from 10 inches to 14 inches, with the last two items (blade length and handle length options) available in one inch increments.

One last comment; some of you are going to ask, or have asked, are these swords as good as other production swords that in some cases cost more. The answer is definitely yes, if not better! Without offending too many people, we will simply state that Last Legend's policy is that lower profit margins with higher volume equals more profit in the long run, and with their restricted MSRP pricing policy to retailers, it prevents retailers from making next month’s house payment from the sale of your one sword. The best example we can give you is to take a look at the 200 series Field Mk I. We sell another sword in the store made from exactly the same material, made to the same strengths, with the same level of fit and finish, and it sells for $499. And is that $499 sword a better sword--no! It's just that that manufacturer puts a much higher wholesale price on their sword. We can guarantee you that J-Armory is not the one making all that extra money.

---

*Last Legend's Free "You Break It, They Replace It" blade warranty is included on all 300 and 400 series swords. Basically, the blade is warranted against breakage during the normal course of practice or competition involving the cutting of properly prepared Goza or like material. The blade is not covered if you try to cut a Buick in half; as much as they believe in their blades, they know you can't overcome the laws of physics. The warranty is there to provide the customer with peace of mind should they make the ultimate mistake during practice or competition. The warranty covers the replacement of the blade only, and will be replaced with the exact blade if that design is still in production, or if that design is no longer in production, a blade with the closest geometry. The new blade will be fitted to the existing handle and furniture. The warranty will only replace a broken blade once during the life of the sword. The only time limits to this warranty are as follows. This free warranty will be in effect as long as Last Legend is producing katanas, or until the founder of the company dies or retires, because we doubt that a new CEO would be this generous--certainly no other sword company is.

---

Cyro Tempering

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the basics of cryo tempering, here is a brief description which starts out easy, then gets a bit more technical as you read further. It should be noted that this custom option is performed at a laboratory here in the United States, and will generally add one to two weeks to your delivery time.

To answer your first questions:

Cryo treatment does not change the Rockwell hardness.

If you don't do a reasonable amount of cutting with your sword, it's a waste of money.

If you are into Martial Arts cutting, it will save you a fortune in re-sharping costs.

Cryogenic treatment is utilized by most aerospace and large manufacturing concerns to extend the life of metal parts that are subject to abrasion and stress failure. These include NASA, Rockwell Aerospace, General Motors, and even IBM in their production tools.

Basic features and benefits:
Cryo treatment is a permanent, non-destructive, non-damaging process (not a coating) which reduces abrasive wear (edge dulling), relieves internal stress, minimizes the susceptibility to microcracking due to shock forces, lengthens part life, and increases performance. Cryo treated pieces are also less susceptible to corrosion.

There are two basic forms of cryo tempering:
1. Standard cryogenic treatment: which takes about ten hours brings the metal down to a temperature of -120 degrees. This is the process which has been around for some thirty years.
2. Deep cryogenic treatment: which reduces the temperature of the metal to -320 degrees F. There are two sub-catagories of this process, wet and dry. The wet process, although good, has the potential of creating thermal shock to the metal, resulting from the submersion in liquid nitrogen. Last Legend only utilizes what is called the dry process. During this process it takes 9 hours to cool the blades to the target -320 degrees F. They remain at that temperature for thirty hours, at which time an additional 9 hours is utilized to bring the blades back up to room temperature. This process takes a total of 48 hours to perform.

Some stuff sent us by the laboratory: The freezing of metals has been acknowledged for almost thirty years as an effective method for increasing durability, or “wear life”, and decreasing residual stress in steels. The recent field of deep cryogenics (below -300 degrees F) has brought us high-temperature superconductors, the superconducting super collider, cryo-biology, and magneto-hydrodynamic drive systems. It has also brought many additional durability benefits to metals.
The deep cryogenic treatment process is a one-time, permanent treatment affecting the entire part, not just the surface. The metal may be new or used, sharp or dull, and resharpening will not destroy the treatment. The process has a number of obvious benefits, including increases in tensile strength, toughness, and stability through the release of internal stresses. The exceptional increase in wear resistivity, generally exceeding 300%, is the greatest benefit.
A research metallurgist at the National Bureau of Standards states, “When carbon precipitates form, the internal stress in the martensite is reduced, which minimizes the susceptibility to microcracking. The wide distribution of very hard, fine carbides from deep cryogenic treatment also increases wear resistance.” The study concludes, “...fine carbon carbides and resultant tight lattice structures are precipitated from cryogenic treatment. These particles are responsible for the exceptional wear characteristics imparted by the process, due to a denser molecular structure; reducing friction, heat, and wear.” Steel surfaces receiving wear, such as cutters, surgical instruments, gears, drill bits, taps, dies, and racing engines, all benefit from this treatment.
Research has shown that slowly cooling steel to cryogenic temperatures (around -310 degrees F), and soaking the steel at this low temperature for several hours, improves the wear resistance significantly.
There are two main changes in the microstructure of the steel that are caused by cryogenic treatment: First, any retained austenite is transformed into martensite when the material is soaked at very low temperatures. Second, fine carbide particles are formed during the long cryogenic soak.
A Louisiana Tech study looked at how the changes brought about by cryogenic treatment affected steel’s ability to resist abrasive wear. It found that the martensite and fine carbide formed by deep cryogenic treatment work together to reduce abrasive wear. The fine carbide particles support the martensite matrix, making it less likely that micro particles will be dug out of the cutting tool material during a cutting operation and cause abrasion. When a hard asperity or foreign particle is pressed onto the tool’s surface, the carbides further resist wear by preventing the particle from plowing into the surface.
Some of these benefits may be achieved through standard tempering, which also transforms austenite into martensite, but standard tempering will not bring about a complete transformation.
If you understand this last part, you're good, because we're not sure we do. But we have seen the difference between a Cryo treated blade and a non-Cryo blade going through copper and brass pipe, and there is a difference.