How is the red color on the blade applied?

The red finish covers the flat of the nagasa from habaki to tip, while the edge bevel is left in polished silver - creating the raging-fire hamon silhouette visible along the full 40.5 in length. It is a surface treatment, not the base steel color.

How should I care for and store a full tang aikuchi long-term?

For long-term display and storage, the main concerns are moisture, contact abrasion, and handle material stability. Apply a thin coat of choji oil or neutral mineral oil to the blade surface every two to three months, or more frequently if you live in a high-humidity environment. Always handle the blade with clean cotton gloves or a soft cloth — fingerprint oils accelerate surface oxidation on carbon steel. Store the piece in its saya when not on display, and if storing multiple pieces together, wrap each saya individually in a soft flannel sleeve to prevent finish contact between pieces. For handles wrapped in rayskin or cord, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which fades natural materials over time. A stable, climate-controlled room is ideal; avoid basements or garages with significant humidity fluctuation.

What steel is used in this shikomizue blade?

Updated Feb 2026

The blade is forged from folded Damascus steel with multiple layers that produce the visible blue and purple swirling grain pattern. It is hardened to 58 HRC, and the full tang construction extends through the entire 10.25-inch handle for structural integrity.