Using methods used by Japanese swordsmiths, the T10 high carbon steel blades have been hammer-forged and clay tempered to produce a visible hamon line. Differential hardening gives these magnificent blades a harder cutting edge and a softer spine. The tsuba and handle fittings are solid iron and the wooden handles have traditional cord wrapping over genuine, tea-dyed rayskin. A black lacquered and polished wooden scabbard with cord-wrapping houses each blade. Also included with the set is a certificate of authenticity with forging specifications, signed by the master swordsmith who crafted the blades.