The Legend The most powerful daimyo (feudal lord) of Japan in the late 16th century, Oda Nobunaga (織田 信長) achieved the impossible dream of unifying the divided Japan during the Sengoku era. His strategical and tactical brilliance was unmatched in both the battlefield and in the arena of politics, leading Japan to an age of unparalleled innovation and progress. Tragically, this great era would end with the heinous betrayal enacted by his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀), who assaulted the castle where his master planned to host a formal tea ceremony. Surrounded on all sides as Honnō-ji castle burned around him, Oda never wavered in his convictions, choosing to commit honorable ritual suicide by seppuku rather than suffer shameful capture at the hands of the turncoat Mitsuhide. The Knife and Ring A beautiful representation of our smith's skill at metal working, our NOBUNAGA knife and ring capture the nobility of the great samurai warlord in both style and design. Made from premium rose wood and gold-plated katana steel, each accessory is marked with the 紋 (symbol) of the Oda clan and inscribed with Oda Nobunaga's personal seal "天下布武" which translates directly to "conquer everything under the heavens with the blade". The knife comes with a hand-crafted cow skin leather sheath, and can be purchased as a set with the ring or separately. The ring comes with a custom bamboo box. Like the rest of our accessories, both items are crafted entirely by hand. Please note that the ring itself is stainless by default! Care As the finish on our Nobunaga ring is done through electroplating, it is important to note that constant or excessive physical friction will cause discoloration. We apply a layer of lacquer to the ring for initial protection, but it is highly recommended to replace this layer (both on the outside and inside of the ring) within a month or so using a jewelry sealant. The blade of the knife is crafted from a non-stainless high carbon steel that must be kept away from water to prevent oxidization. A layer of lacquer is applied initially upon creation in order to protect it, but this layer will eventually wear off (please do not remove this by force). The blade can be cared for using oil or a carbon steel eraser should a patina start to build up. If you wish to have receive the blade without the lacquer coating, please reach out to us at [email protected] with your order number and request. Safety In accordance with Shopify's regulations regarding the sale of weapons, it is important to note that the NOBUNAGA is NOT a weapon, but a kitchen utility knife. It can and should only be used for general purpose activities such as cutting fruits, opening packages, skinning fish, and other miscellaneous tasks.
