T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya

This katana's 28.3-inch blade is hand-forged from T10 carbon steel using a traditional clay tempering method. The differential hardening process produces a genuine hamon line - a wavy, undulating temper pattern visible along the edge - while achieving a hardness of 60 HRC. The folded steel construction refines the grain structure, and the chrome-toned finish gives the blade a clean, polished appearance that highlights every curve from the kissaki to the mune. For those exploring Featured Clay Tempered Katana, this piece showcases the technique at its finest.

The 10.2-inch tsuka is built on a hardwood core wrapped first in genuine black samegawa (ray skin), then finished with tightly wound black cotton ito cord in a traditional cross-hatch pattern. Small gold menuki ornaments sit beneath the wrap, adding subtle texture and visual detail to the otherwise all-black handle.

At the junction of blade and handle sits the gold alloy tsuba, the visual centerpiece of this katana. The guard features a sculptural dragon motif rendered in three-dimensional openwork, with the dragon coiling through a lattice pattern. The gold tone of the tsuba catches light against the dark fittings, creating a bold focal point.

The saya is carved from hardwood and coated in a deep black piano lacquer that produces a mirror-like gloss. Near the mouth of the scabbard, a band of pearl rayskin adds a textured accent. A matching black braided sageo cord is tied at the kurikata, and the overall finish of the saya complements the blade's polished surface.

At 40.5 inches overall and 2.65 lbs, this T10 Steel Katana balances presence with proportion. The combination of clay tempered T10 steel, genuine samegawa, and the detailed dragon tsuba makes it a considered choice for collectors who value traditional Japanese sword aesthetics paired with quality materials.