This is the more popular and the more common varient of the Shobu Zukuri katana. Shobu Zukuri refers to the shape of the blade. The word "Shobu" means Iris, and "Zukuri" mean made or constructed. This type of sword is so named because of the resemblence with the leaf of an iris plant. The name of this sword "Kurome" literally translates to "Black Eyes ". In this varient, the shinogi (ridgeline) of the sword ends just short of the tip of the sword. This results in a bladed tip more so than the Ayame (which has more of a needle-like tip). This type of a blade is what is more commonly seen when referring to a Shobu Zukuri katana. Majority of the production as well as custom/antique Shobu Zukuri katanas has this type of a tip. Note that because there is less material overall in the tip of the sword than a traditional Shinogi Zukuri katana used in iaido, the tip is better at penetration but also somewhat more delicate. The tsuka is wrapped with a black same panel wrap, and a brown cotton ito wrap. The tsuba is a rounded-edged cast iron tsuba and is where we derived the name of this sword. Constructed of the 9260TH spring steel, this Shobu-Zukuri katana is the more popular and commonly seen varient. The shinogi (ridgeline) of this sword runs just short of the tip by a few millimeters. This configuration results in a blade-like tip for cutting. Name "Kurome" Blade 9260 Silicon Alloy Carbon Spring Steel. Overall Length (+ Saya) 42.5" Treatment Full Hand Forged, Through Tempered, Oil Quenched, Hand Polished Finish Tameshigiri Polish Blade Dimension 28" Length, 0.3" Width, 1.25" Height Sori (Curvature) 0.7" Weight 2 lbs 9 oz Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira Cast iron tsuba with alloy fittings. Balance Point 5.5" to 6" above tsuba Tsuka/Ho 10.5" Wood Tsuka Ito Brown Cotton Mekugi 1 X Bamboo, 1 X Brass (Double Pinned) Same Black colored Real Ray Skin Panel Wrap Saya 30.5" Black Glossy Lacquered Medium Hardwood