Product Details

This tanto features a 12.5-inch full tang blade forged from 1045 carbon steel and polished to a chrome finish. The steel is heat treated to 58 HRC, giving the blade solid hardness and edge retention. A brass-toned habaki collar sits at the base where blade meets fittings, creating a clean visual transition. Among 1045 Carbon Steel Tanto options, this piece stands out for its balanced proportions and refined finish.

The 6.5-inch tsuka is built on a hardwood core wrapped in white ray-skin samegawa, then bound with black cotton cord in a traditional diamond-pattern ito wrap. The ray-skin peeks through in bright white diamonds against the dark cord, a contrast that is immediately visible in hand. Fuchi and kashira caps in bronze-toned alloy frame the handle at both ends.

An oval bronze alloy tsuba serves as the guard, featuring intricate relief carvings across its surface. The aged bronze tone complements the brass habaki and the dark handle wrappings, tying the entire color palette together without any single element overpowering the rest.

The saya is carved from hardwood with a matte black finish and a subtly textured surface that resembles fine stippling. A black sageo cord is tied at the kurikata in a traditional knot, and the koiguchi mouth is reinforced with a matching alloy band. This Black Tanto keeps every external element in dark tones, letting the chrome blade provide the sole bright contrast when drawn.

At 20.5 inches overall and 1.5 pounds, this tanto is compact enough for a desktop stand or wall mount yet substantial enough to feel purposeful in hand. The full tang construction runs the entire length of the handle, secured by mekugi pins through the tsuka. Whether added to an existing Japanese sword collection or displayed as a standalone piece, the combination of 1045 steel, bronze alloy fittings, and matte hardwood saya delivers a cohesive and well-crafted short sword.

  • 12.5-inch full tang 1045 carbon steel blade with a chrome-polished finish and hand-finished edge, heat treated to 58 HRC hardness for lasting durability
  • Black cord-wrapped tsuka over white ray-skin samegawa on a 6.5-inch hardwood handle, providing a secure traditional grip with clean diamond patterns
  • Oval bronze alloy tsuba with detailed relief engravings, paired with matching alloy fuchi and kashira fittings for a cohesive classic aesthetic
  • Matte black hardwood saya measuring 12.5 inches with a textured surface finish, accented by a black sageo cord and brass-toned habaki collar
  • Overall length of 20.5 inches at 1.5 lbs total weight - a compact full tang tanto sized for shelf display, desk mounting, or collection rotation

Specification

Product Specifications
Item NumberTK-JP-DD19004
Primary ColorBlack
Primary Material1045 Carbon Steel
Tsuka ColorBlack-white
Tsuka Skin ColorWhite
Tsuka Skin MaterialRay-skin
Tsuka Length6.5
Tsuba ColorBronze
Tsuba MaterialAlloy
Tsuba ThemeOrnate Scroll
Saya ColorBlack
Saya MaterialHardwood Matte
Saya SurfaceMatte
Saya Length12.5
Sageo ColorBlack
Nagasa Material1045 Steel
Nagasa ColorChrome
Nagasa Length12.5
Nagasa Hardness58
Nagasa SharppendYes
Nagasa HamonNo
StyleKoshirae
Dimensions21.7 x 1.3 Inches
Weight1.5 Pounds
Packing Size23 x 3 x 3 Inches
Shipping Weight3.0 Pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is this tanto made of and how hard is it?
This tanto uses a 1045 carbon steel blade that has been heat treated to 58 HRC hardness. The full tang blade measures 12.5 inches with a chrome-polished finish and a hand-finished edge running along its length.
Is this tanto full tang with a secure handle construction?
Yes, the 1045 steel tang extends the full 6.5-inch length of the hardwood handle and is secured with mekugi pins. The tsuka is wrapped in white ray-skin samegawa under black cord ito, providing a firm traditional grip.
What does the tsuba look like and what is the saya made of?
The tsuba is an oval-shaped bronze alloy guard with intricate relief carvings on the surface. The saya is carved from hardwood with a matte black stippled-texture finish, measuring 12.5 inches, and accented with a black sageo cord.

Customer Reviews(92)

Markeisha Boyd North Carolina, United States
Feb 15, 2026 15:42

My boyfriend loved the short katana the weight was pleasing unexpected and now wants to order a long.

Jack Collins Georgia, United States
Feb 12, 2026 12:03

Very quick delivery. This is the second blade I’ve ordered and both have been fantastic. My one complaint with the recent one is that the sheath doesn’t fit snug and falls off if turned upside down.

Pamela R Castillo Arizona, United States
Dec 19, 2025 08:16

Delivered promptly, product as described/displayed on site. Great addition to my son's collection!

David Mosher Vermont, United States
Dec 14, 2025 13:43

your rating is fine.r
Your shipper UPS was a total failure.

Robert Alexander Illinois, United States
Sep 14, 2025 13:44

Nice sword and great quality, would make a great show piece. Highly recommended will purchase others in the future.

Demarus Oliver Illinois, United States
Jun 11, 2025 13:29

I must say I am completely satisfied with my order and blade is well oiled and everything is sharp and in great condition I’m truly appreciative for the care and time that truekatana took to make this tanto. Thank you very much I will be doing more shopping with truekatana from here on out when I want another blade. I can’t wait until my Katana comes in the mail. Thank you!!!!

Micah P Needham Tennessee, United States
Apr 26, 2025 13:11

This company is great! This is my 4th sword from them, I even was fortunate enough to buy the Tibetan Warrior/Hunting sword that was limited. Had a full size katana, Wazikashi and now this Tanto. All exquisitely made and all are very durable! No need to show elsewhere, the selection is numerous and the prices are for everyone.

Christopher Lundgren California, United States
Mar 17, 2025 17:30

Nice, killer balance! Made well! Love the eel skin grip,nice blade

Christopher Davis Indiana, United States
Jan 22, 2025 12:34

I really love the craftsmanship and wish I could get the full sword that matches. I recommend TrueKatana to anyone that is a collector and have told my friends of the company. Delivery of package was prompt and safely packaged.

Jimmie Eckerman Texas, United States
Jan 17, 2025 15:27

Tanto was beautiful. Finishing was a little rough, I’ve seen the same fittings on other tanto’s, and the blade was loose in the Saya, I glued a small shim on the bottom of the opening, problem solved, but the quality is on the high side of good. Remember this is a 79.00 blade, Quality control in not at its finest. That being said, I enjoy the purchase and would buy another one if the need arises. Aesthetically it is a beautiful blade and makes for a good display piece. Its size might surprise you, the blade is over 12 inches long. I am overall Satisfied with the purchase.

William Gebhart Alabama, United States
Dec 24, 2024 12:08

Incredible service, fast action, love the True Katana Sword really thank you, and can’t wait to get the next one I ordered.. Love Y’all…

Jerome Kelly Florida, United States
May 14, 2024 07:20

Second time I ordered from you and both the service and product were excellent. I've already recommended you to my friends.

James Belcher Michigan, United States
Mar 13, 2024 23:34

My 7th sword from truekatana.Thank you.

Kasie Cochrane New Mexico, United States
Feb 13, 2024 12:09

Not a bad product. Well crafted.