SWORD OF THE GODS TACHI (257 Decorated) by MARTO of Spain
The Sword of the Gods by Marto, is inspired by legend. In the beginning, there were so many gods in heaven that two, the god Izanagi and goddess Izanami, were sent to the earth upon a cloud-bridge. Once on earth, the goddess created the gods of the mountains (Chi), winds (Fuu), water (Sui), and soil/iron (Tetsu). According to Japanese Creation Myth, the goddess Izanami finally dies upon giving birth to the god of Fire (Hi). Izanagi deeply missed Izanami, and so followed her to the place of Black Night where she had gone in death, only to see vile sights and be pursued by the Old Hag of Black Night. Narrowly escaping back to the earth, the god Izanagi went straight to the river for a purification bath. As he shed his clothes and they touched the ground, they turned into twelve gods. His jewels became flowers--one bracelet an iris, another a lotus, and his necklace a golden chrysanthemum. Marto, has designed this exclusive sword, that gathers the symbols and characters of this fantastic story. This breathtakingly beautiful sword is the beginning of the Marto Bushido Collection (the way of the warrior).

The Blade is of maintenance free tempered AISI 440 Toledo Stainless Steel that is mirror polished and has been given a very sharp edge. It measures 27-9/16 inches for this 41 inch Tachi which weighs in at approximately 3 lbs 10.6 oz. The blade It features a simulated yet realistic looking hamon that has been applied the length of the blade through a unique process applied by Marto bladesmiths during the forging process. The Habaki (ferrule) is gold plated to match and bears the Marto Seal of Authenticity deeply stamped on each side.

The Tsuka (handle) is topped with a Chrysanthemum (Japan's national flower) for its gold pommel (Kashira) that is secured within a flared helmet crest. The pommel is joined to a simulated Ivory column of five Gods of Samurai, each given hand painted tones, wearing the helmet of their clan and hair that flows with their natural element. The Tsuba (guard) of the handle forms a large Japanese Kabuto (Helmet) finished in polished gold and hand painted detail colors, crested in Sunflowers and Chrysanthemum. The back of the helm is decorated with a Japanese Tassel Knot. The large Kabuto Tsuba is only one companion of a surprisingly unique paired design; for when the sword is sheathed the helmet unites with the bust of a grimacing fully decorated Armoured Samurai Warrior God that functions as the scabbards throat, uniting the warrior with his sacred head gear.

The Saya (scabbard) features an ultra gloss piano black enamel finish and is adorn with a deep red and beautifully tied Sageo (cord). The cord is attached to finely decorated Kurikata (cord knob) and companion cord divider on the opposing side. Both sides of the Saya's lower third bear gold and red decorated medallion Japanese Tassel Knots. The Saya is finished with a polished golden Kojiri (scabbard tip).

• Japanese Sword Terminology Diagram - click for more info