Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Guan Yu Gold Tsuba, Black Saya, Full Tang

This Damascus steel katana combines the visual drama of folded pattern steel with the structural benefits of traditional clay tempering. The blade is forged from multiple layers of steel, repeatedly folded to create the flowing grain pattern that defines Damascus craftsmanship. After folding, the blade undergoes clay tempering with an oil quench - a process that hardens the cutting edge while leaving the spine resilient and flexible, producing a genuine hamon line as a natural byproduct of the differential heat treatment.

The tsuba is the centerpiece of this katana's identity: a gold and silver gilded alloy guard featuring a Guan Yu motif. Guan Yu, the legendary Chinese general revered for loyalty and righteousness, has been a popular subject in East Asian metalwork for centuries. The detailed relief carving captures this tradition in miniature, adding cultural depth and visual weight to the guard. The gilding process layers precious metals over the alloy base, producing a warm, luminous finish that ages gracefully.

The handle is wrapped in black cord over authentic white rayskin, creating a high-contrast grip with excellent tactile feedback. The full tang blade extends through the entire handle length and is secured with traditional mekugi pegs - a time-tested construction method that ensures the blade remains firmly seated under any conditions. At 41 inches overall and 3.0 pounds, the katana carries substantial presence without excessive weight.

The black hardwood saya provides a clean, understated housing for the patterned blade. The smooth interior ensures a clean draw, while the exterior maintains a simple aesthetic that lets the Damascus grain and gilded tsuba command attention. This is a katana designed to be noticed for its craftsmanship, not its accessories.

From the layered Damascus core to the Guan Yu guard and oil-quenched edge, this piece represents the intersection of Chinese cultural artistry and Japanese sword-making tradition. A distinctive addition to any Damascus katana collection or display of real hamon swords.