What steel types are used in your Green Ninjato swords?

Our Green Ninjato collection primarily features two carbon steels: 1045 and T10. The 1045 grade contains roughly 0.45 percent carbon, which produces a tough, resilient blade with a clean dark finish that pairs well with green fittings. T10 steel adds a small percentage of tungsten to a high-carbon base, increasing wear resistance and — more importantly for collectors — enabling differential clay hardening. That process creates a visible hamon temper line along the blade, meaning each T10 ninjato carries a unique wave pattern that no two pieces share. Both steels are well suited to display pieces because they hold an attractive surface finish over time when properly oiled.

How should I store and maintain a dark blue ninjato long-term?

Long-term storage of a carbon steel or manganese steel ninjato requires consistent attention to two factors: moisture and surface contact. Apply a thin coat of blade oil - choji oil or a neutral mineral oil both work well - every two to three months, or more frequently in humid climates. Wipe the blade gently with a soft cloth before oiling to remove any fingerprint residue, since the acids in skin oils can initiate surface spotting on blued finishes over time. Store the sword horizontally in its saya with the cutting edge facing upward, which is the traditional Japanese practice for preserving the saya's interior lacquer and wood. Avoid direct sunlight on display, as prolonged UV exposure can fade lacquered saya finishes and alter the visual depth of blue blade treatments. A cedar-lined display case or a dedicated sword bag provides an additional buffer against humidity fluctuations.

What makes a gold-black tsuba different from a standard iron guard?

A standard iron tsuba relies on a single material's texture and shape for visual interest, while a gold-black tsuba introduces deliberate two-tone contrast through gilding, brass inlay, or painted lacquer over an iron or alloy base. On collector ninjato pieces, this combination draws the eye to the guard as a design element rather than a structural afterthought. Gold detailing can be applied through electroplating, cast brass fittings, or hand-applied gilt - and the quality of that application is one of the first things an experienced collector examines. Well-executed gold-black tsuba work shows clean boundary lines, even coverage, and no lifting at the edges. It also complements the straight ninjato profile particularly well, since the uninterrupted blade line places visual emphasis squarely on the guard.

How should I store and maintain a leather-saya ninjato?

For the blade, apply a thin coat of mineral oil or dedicated sword oil every few months, or more frequently in humid climates. Wipe the blade clean with a soft, lint-free cloth before oiling to remove any fingerprint acids that cause pitting over time. For the leather saya, keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight, which dries and cracks leather. Applying a small amount of leather conditioner once or twice a year preserves suppleness and prevents the surface from becoming brittle. Store the sword horizontally on a display rack or in a sword bag in a climate-controlled space — avoid basements with high moisture or attics with temperature extremes. Never store the blade inside the saya long-term with oil on it, as trapped moisture can affect both the blade and the leather lining.

What display pairing works well with a dark blue sageo katana?

Updated Mar 2026

For a daisho-style display — the traditional pairing of katana and wakizashi — the Blue Scabbard Wakizashi collection offers strong visual matches, particularly pieces with navy or dark blue saya that echo the sageo color of the longer blade. When displayed side by side on a two-tier horizontal stand, matching or complementary cord colors across both pieces create a unified presentation. Collectors interested in a broader themed display case can extend the palette into different blade forms by incorporating a piece from the Dark Blue Scabbard Ninjato collection, which introduces a distinct blade geometry while maintaining the deep blue color story throughout the display.