How accurate is the blue blade finish to the game design?

The blue blade finish is one of the most immediately recognizable visual details of Jin Sakai's katana in Ghost of Tsushima, and the replicas in this collection reproduce it through a controlled surface treatment process applied after forging and polishing. The result is a deep, cool-toned blue across the blade's flat, which shifts subtly in different lighting conditions — much like the in-game rendering. This finish is not paint; it bonds with the steel surface. That said, like all surface treatments on carbon steel, it benefits from light maintenance oil to prevent any moisture from affecting the underlying metal beneath the finish layer.

Are these replicas full-tang, and why does that matter?

Yes, the vast majority of replicas in this collection feature full-tang construction, meaning the steel extends from the blade tip through the entire length of the handle. This matters significantly for collectors because a full-tang build determines the sword's overall balance and weight distribution. A rat-tail or partial tang can make a katana feel top-heavy and structurally fragile at the junction point, which detracts from the authentic feel when you handle the piece during display arrangement or examination. Full-tang construction also allows the tsuka to be pinned with traditional mekugi bamboo pegs, so the handle can be disassembled for cleaning and inspection — an experience that adds to the collectible value and lets you appreciate the craftsmanship hidden beneath the wrap.

Is the hamon on these green katanas real or just a polished finish?

Every hamon on the katana in this collection is produced through authentic differential clay tempering, not acid etching or abrasive simulation. During the heat-treatment process, clay is packed along the spine to slow the quench rate in that area, while the exposed edge cools rapidly and hardens. The transition zone that forms between hard edge and softer spine is the hamon — it exists within the steel's crystalline structure and is revealed, not created, by polishing. A genuine hamon will show activity (irregular clouding, nie particles, and curved undulation) that shifts appearance under different lighting angles. Etched or false hamon tend to look flat and uniform. Under a loupe or raking light, the real thing is unmistakable.

What is the difference between brown ito and brown saya?

Updated Mar 2026

Ito and saya refer to two different parts of the katana. Ito is the cord wrap applied over the tsuka (handle), usually woven in a traditional diamond pattern that exposes segments of the underlying same (ray skin) between the crossings. Brown ito contributes a warm, organic texture to the hand and reads as a strong color accent from any display angle. Saya is the scabbard that houses the blade. A brown hardwood saya may be finished with light lacquer or left closer to the natural wood tone, providing a quieter, matte contrast to a lacquered black blade. The two elements work together visually - brown ito and a brown saya create tonal continuity across the full length of the mounted piece, while a black lacquer saya against brown ito creates a deliberate high-contrast presentation.