1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Red Cord Handle, Dragon Tsuba in Black Lacquer Saya

The 28.3-inch blade is forged from 1045 carbon steel and heat-treated to 58 HRC, producing a hamon line that traces the edge in a flowing wave pattern. The chrome-polished surface brings out both the geometry of the shinogi and the subtle activity along the temper line. As part of the Black 1045 Carbon Steel Katana family, this piece reflects the same entry point into hand-finished carbon steel construction - practical hardness, clean geometry, and a sharpened edge straight from production.

The tsuka is 10.2 inches long, wrapped in red cotton cord over white PU samegawa in a tight traditional diamond pattern. Gold-tone menuki sit beneath the wrap at the standard grip positions, adding visual depth when the hand is off the handle. The wrap is firm and evenly spaced, with the signature red color carrying through from tsuka to sageo without interruption.

The gold alloy tsuba is cast with a dragon motif in raised relief - detailed enough to read clearly at arm's length. It sits flush against the habaki and provides a clean transition between the polished blade and the red-wrapped handle. The gold tone pairs directly with the menuki and the kashira hardware for a cohesive fittings set.

The saya is cut from hardwood and finished in deep black piano lacquer - a high-gloss surface that reflects light cleanly and gives the scabbard a lacquerware quality. At 30.3 inches, it sheathes the nagasa with a snug fit at the koiguchi. The red sageo is tied at the mouth of the saya in a traditional knot, the only break in the black surface and a deliberate visual link back to the handle. Collectors drawn to the Red Dragon Katana aesthetic will recognize this red-and-black pairing as a consistent design language across the koshirae.

Overall length is 40.5 inches and total weight is 2.45 lbs. The koshirae-style mountings - full tang blade, fitted hardwood saya, cord-wrapped tsuka, and cast alloy tsuba - make this a complete presentation piece with genuine carbon steel construction at its core.