Ichigo Collapsing Katana @stl Zone

Built after the blade carried by Bleach's substitute soul reaper, this is a convention prop rather than a static replica. The collapsing concept is the entire premise: a katana designed to fold down on itself instead of staying rigid at full reach, which is a very different design problem from a one-piece display sword. Cosplayers will recognise the thinking. The sword is the part that makes the costume and also the part that makes doorways, train seats and queueing at a show a nuisance, so a blade conceived to shorten has obvious appeal over a long day. The shape keeps the lean, flat-planed anime read of the original rather than a historical Japanese profile, with a long straight blade, a plain guard and a wrapped-look grip. It comes as a multi-part kit, as any sword of this length must, and finishing is left entirely to the builder.