The Mukade Ni Katana marks the triumphant return of one of the most revered modern Japanese-style swords. Handmade by Ron Chen in his Taiwan forge, this limited edition successor to the original Mukade continues the legacy of excellence that has captivated collectors and martial artists for decades. Each sword is crafted with meticulous care and represents the pinnacle of form, balance, and cutting performance—a true heir to the Bugei tradition of blending art and function.
Inspired by the Immortal Mukade
In Japanese folklore, the Mukade—the giant centipede—is said to be immortal and a symbol of strength and victory in battle. The legendary Takeda Shingen, one of Japan’s most celebrated warlords, adopted the Mukade as his emblem, pairing it with the famous Furinkazan banner drawn from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War: “As swift as wind, as gentle as forest, as fierce as fire, as unshakable as mountain.” This katana embodies those same ideals. Every curve, texture, and detail speaks of resilience, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of the samurai.
Masterwork by Ron Chen and the Bugei Team
The Mukade Ni Katana is the result of a collaboration between Ron Chen, Roman Urban (renowned Japanese fittings artist), and James and Christopher Williams of Bugei. The fittings are cast from Urban’s original metalwork in shibuichi—an alloy of one part silver to three parts copper—treasured for its natural range of patinas. The result is a weapon of unmatched visual harmony and structural integrity, crafted entirely under sole authorship.
Forged for Strength and Beauty
The 29 7/8-inch blade is hand forged from SN490 steel, the same structural-grade alloy used in Japanese architecture to resist earthquakes. This provides both superior strength and flexibility in the cut. The choji hamon dances along the edge, flowing into a Rain-pattern etched habaki. With a 3/4-inch sori, the blade delivers powerful, fluid strikes while maintaining impeccable control. The 14-inch tsuka is wrapped in brown Japanese cotton ito in the katatemaki style over white same-gawa (ray skin), providing both elegance and an incredibly secure grip. The long menuki bear Sun Tzu’s mantra in kanji—reminding the wielder of wisdom and composure in every movement.
A Blade Worthy of a Shogun
The black lacquered saya is wrapped in han-samemaki ray skin and fitted with a buffalo horn kurikata and brown cotton sageo. The sword flows seamlessly from kissaki to kashira, exuding both strength and sophistication. Each Mukade Ni Katana is limited in number, individually handmade, and represents the collaboration of some of the most respected names in modern swordcraft. A rare opportunity for discerning collectors, this sword is destined to become a timeless heirloom—a masterpiece that bridges ancient tradition with modern artistry.