Damascus Steel Tanto with Real Hamon - Dark Red Hardwood Saya & Gold Geometric Tsuba

The blade is forged from folded Damascus steel, producing the layered wave pattern visible across the flat and down toward the edge. A genuine hamon line marks the boundary between the hardened edge and the softer spine - the result of the hand-polishing and tempering process applied during finishing. The chrome-bright polish along the cutting edge contrasts cleanly with the darker Damascus patterning on the body, giving the nagasa strong visual definition even at rest in the saya.

The tsuka is shaped from dark red natural hardwood - the same stock used for the saya - so grain tone and surface sheen stay consistent across the full piece. A single mekugi pin secures the full tang inside the handle. No wrapping cord is used, letting the hardwood grain read as the primary surface texture from pommel to habaki.

The tsuba is one of the most detailed elements of this koshirae. Cast in gold-tone brass, it carries an open geometric lattice - hexagonal or honeycomb voids cut cleanly through the plate - bordered by a scalloped outer ring. The fuchi collar at the base of the tsuka repeats the same scalloped edge detail, tying the guard and handle together visually. For collectors exploring Damascus Tanto styles, this tsuba design stands out against the more common plain or dragon-motif guards.

The dark red hardwood saya is polished to a deep, near-lacquer gloss. Brass koiguchi and kurikata fittings in matching gold tone frame the mouth and body of the scabbard, reinforcing the warm brass-and-dark-wood palette that runs through the entire piece. The fit between blade and saya is snug, with a clean draw and a firm seat.

At 22 inches overall and 2 lbs, this tanto sits in the compact end of the Japanese short-sword format - proportioned for desk or wall display rather than full katana-length presentation. Shipping weight is 3 lbs in a 24 x 2 x 2 inch package. It fits naturally alongside other pieces in a Pattern Steel Aikuchi collection, where Damascus surface work and traditional koshirae fittings are the focus.