【Kyoto souvenirs】Authentic Katana Paper Knives Modeled After Famous Swords of Shinsengumi Warriors

Famous Swords Paper Knives: An astoundingly successful crowdfunding project

Japanese history buffs and sword collectors know too well, authentic Japanese swords made by master craftsmen are prohibitively expensive and only available to the very wealthy or to those who are fortunate enough to have inherited them as family heirlooms. The next best thing is owning a replica sword, but these still require enough space to display them.

But what if you could own a replica made by master craftsmen of swords owned by famous Japanese warriors but in miniature size, in the form of a paper knife? As we reported last year, this was the idea behind the Famous Swords Paper Knives crowdfunding project by Nikken Cutlery Co., Ltd. Miniature versions of meito (famous swords) owned by Hijikata Toshizō, Sakamoto Ryōma and Oda Nobunaga, these paper knives were beautifully designed and the blades meticulously crafted. The project not only achieved its funding goal within the first 24 hours of announcement, but went on to reach 16 times that amount.

New in Round Two: Swords owned by legendary Shinsengumi warriors

Due to this astounding success, Nikken Cutlery is back this year with a second round. This time, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, they're adding Shinsengumi model knives based on the swords owned by Kondo Isami, Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Soji. Moreover, as a special collaboration with Mibu-dera Temple in Kyoto, where the Shinsengumi was founded, they're also offering a limited edition knife inspired by artwork in the Mibu-dera Engi Maki scroll featuring a hilt wrapped in Nishiki-himo rope and a scabbard coated in Echizen lacquer.

.....read the rest of the article on the grape Japan website

https://grapee.jp/en/97653