T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon, Black Lacquer Saya & Gold Fish Tsuba

The blade on this katana is forged from T10 carbon steel and clay tempered by hand, a process that creates a genuine hamon - the undulating line running the length of the 27.5-inch nagasa where hard edge meets softer spine. At 60 HRC along the edge and softer toward the back, the steel is hand-polished to a chrome finish that makes the hamon's activity clearly visible under direct light.

The black hardwood saya measures 30.7 inches and is finished in piano lacquer, giving it a deep, gloss-black surface that reflects cleanly and protects the wood beneath. A silver kamon-style kojiri fitting sits near the tip, and the black-and-white braided sageo cord is tied in a traditional knot with a tassel finish - a detail that photographs well and holds its shape over time.

At the handguard, the alloy tsuba presents a carved gold fish design set against a black ground with an ornate rope-pattern border. The fish motif connects to longstanding Japanese symbolism - perseverance, strength, and transformation - making it one of the more culturally specific tsuba designs available at this price point. The seppa and habaki are finished in gold tone, tying the fittings together visually.

The 10.2-inch tsuka is wrapped in black ito over a white same (rayskin) base. The rayskin's natural nodule texture grips through the wrap, and six gold-tone menuki are set into the handle at the diamond gaps, visible but not raised enough to interfere with the grip. The kashira (pommel) cap is finished in matching black with a circular gold emblem.

Overall length is 40.9 inches and the sword weighs 3.3 lbs, with a blade width of 1.26 inches. The full tang runs the complete length of the handle, secured by a mekugi peg. This is a hand-finished katana built with traditional proportions - suited for display, collection, or serious appreciation of Japanese sword craft.