Damascus Steel Katana with Bronze Guan Yu Tsuba - Black Cord, Dark Red Hardwood Saya

The 28.3-inch damascus steel blade on this katana is ground to 60 HRC hardness and carries a visible hamon line along the edge - the result of differential heat treatment applied during finishing. The layered damascus patterning gives the chrome-toned blade surface a depth and character that polished mono-steel cannot replicate. For collectors interested in Damascus Katana Sword construction, the blade geometry follows traditional katana proportions with a blade width of 1.26 inches at the base tapering to a clean kissaki.

The handle assembly is built on a full tang foundation. The 10.2-inch tsuka is wrapped in black ito cord in a traditional diamond pattern over genuine white samegawa (rayskin), providing both grip texture and the authentic layered look expected on a well-fitted koshirae piece. The white ray skin nodes show clearly through the cord gaps, confirming real samegawa rather than synthetic substitutes.

The bronze alloy tsuba is the visual centerpiece of this build. Cast in an ornate scroll relief pattern with gold-tone accent highlights, it presents a richly detailed surface that rewards close inspection. The overall tone reads as aged bronze with contrasting gilt elements - a fitting reference to classical Japanese guard aesthetics with an ornamental character suited to display.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in a dark red lacquer with a natural surface sheen. At 30.3 inches, it houses the blade fully with the classic proportions of the koshirae style. A black sageo cord is tied at the kurigata, completing the two-tone color pairing between the deep red saya and the black handle wrap. Collectors looking at Black Damascus Samurai Sword builds will find this dark red and black combination a distinctive alternative to all-black setups.

Full specifications: overall length 40.5 inches, nagasa 28.3 inches, tsuka 10.2 inches, saya 30.3 inches, blade width 1.26 inches, weight 2.65 lbs. The blade is sharpened and full tang. The complete koshirae package - bronze tsuba, rayskin handle, lacquered hardwood saya, and black sageo - is assembled and ready for display.