Black Katana with Tiger & Dragon Copper Tsuba - 1060 Carbon Steel, Piano Lacquer Saya

The 27.5-inch blade is forged from 1060 carbon steel with manganese treatment and brought to 62 HRC hardness through heat processing. Hand-polished to a bright chrome finish, the nagasa carries a clean hamon line that traces the curve of the edge from kissaki to hamachi - a detail that rewards close inspection under direct light. The full tang runs uninterrupted through the handle, providing structural integrity across the 40.5-inch overall length.

The tsuka spans 10.6 inches and is built over a white PU samegawa base. Black cord is applied in the traditional diagonal diamond wrap, with a bronze-cast tiger menuki seated beneath the binding on each side. The kashira and fuchi are finished in gold-tone metal that ties into the engraved detail on the tsuba below.

The real copper tsuba is the defining visual element of this sword. Cast in gray and hand-engraved, it presents a coiling dragon on one face and a seated tiger on the reverse - two of the most iconic motifs in East Asian iconography rendered with sharp line detail rather than surface paint. This piece belongs alongside other Dragon Theme Japanese Samurai Swords where tsuba craftsmanship takes center stage.

The black hardwood saya is finished in piano lacquer, producing a deep gloss that mirrors the blade's polish. At 29.9 inches, it houses the blade snugly with a secure draw. A gray braided sageo is knotted at the kurikata in a traditional style, completing the koshirae presentation. The contrast between the lacquered black saya and the chrome blade is sharp and deliberate. For collectors drawn to this aesthetic, the Gold Dragon Tsuba Japanese Samurai Swords collection offers related pieces built around similar engraved copper fittings.

Overall length is 40.5 inches, with a 27.5-inch nagasa, 10.6-inch tsuka, and a total weight of 3.3 lbs. The blade arrives sharpened with a hand-finished edge. Koshirae style fittings are consistent throughout - copper tsuba, gold-tone kashira and fuchi, black cord wrap, black piano lacquer saya, and gray sageo - making this a cohesive piece for display or as a centerpiece in a serious katana collection.