What steel grade and construction standards are used in shirasaya wakizashi?
Updated Feb 2026
Shirasaya wakizashi in this collection are built from T10 carbon steel - the premium high-carbon steel grade most closely associated with quality Japanese sword collecting. T10's tightly controlled grain structure and carbon content make it the grade most likely to produce a well-defined hamon during clay-tempered differential heat treatment, and its surface quality under polishing is superior to lower-grade carbon steels. Each blade is heat-treated using the clay-tempering method: a layer of clay is applied to the spine before quenching, producing differential hardness across the blade cross-section. Full-tang construction is standard, with the T10 steel running from the kissaki tip through the complete handle body and secured by a mekugi retention pin through the plain wood handle. The plain wood handle and scabbard of the shirasaya are fitted precisely to the blade and habaki collar dimensions, ensuring a secure fit without relying on lacquer or adhesive alone. The result is a blade presentation that prioritizes material quality and blade character above all else.