1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Red Ito, Black PU Samegawa & Piano Lacquer Saya

The blade is ground from 1045 carbon steel and brought to a 58 HRC hardness before receiving a hand-finished chrome polish. At 28.3 inches, the nagasa carries a gentle curvature and tapers to a refined kissaki tip, catching light cleanly along its length. The full-tang construction extends the steel unbroken into the handle core, anchoring the 2.45 lb assembly with consistent balance from grip to point.

The 10.2-inch tsuka is built over a hardwood core wrapped first in black PU samegawa, then bound with red cotton ito in the classic hishi diamond pattern. Gold-toned menuki accent pieces are set beneath the wrapping at traditional positions, visible through the open diamonds. The combination of deep black and vivid red gives the handle a bold, high-contrast look that photographs as well as it feels in hand.

The round tsuba is cast from alloy and finished in an antique gold tone with engraved surface relief detailing around its face. It sits flush against the habaki and provides a clean visual break between blade and grip, while keeping the hand secure during handling.

The hardwood saya is finished in piano lacquer - a high-gloss, deep black coat that gives the scabbard a mirror-like surface quality. A red sageo cord is knotted through the kurigata, echoing the ito color and completing the red-and-black palette across the full assembly. The 30.3-inch saya accommodates the blade with a snug, secure fit.

This katana fits naturally alongside other pieces in the Red 1045 Katana lineup, which share the same core steel and color scheme. Collectors drawn to refined red-accented builds may also explore the broader Red 1045 Carbon Steel Katana collection for additional options in similar materials and finish combinations.