Shinken
What is a Shinken?
Shinken (真剣 / しんけん) literally means “real sword” in Japanese. It refers to a live, sharpened blade—a fully functional Japanese sword made for actual cutting. Unlike practice swords such as Iaitō or Bokutō, a Shinken has a hardened, sharpened edge and is crafted using traditional forging techniques.
A Shinken is a real, sharpened Japanese sword—crafted for cutting and steeped in traditional swordsmithing methods. It embodies the functional and spiritual essence of the katana and is a symbol of mastery, both in martial arts and craftsmanship.
