High Manganese Steel Tanto with Black Hardwood Saya - Brown Cord Handle & Gold-Gilt Copper Tsuba

The blade on this tanto is forged from high manganese steel, ground to a precise edge and polished to a mirror-bright finish. Full-tang construction runs the steel continuously through the handle core, giving the piece solid structural integrity from tip to pommel. The surface catches light cleanly along the shinogi, with a clearly defined geometry that reflects careful hand-finishing rather than machine production. For collectors interested in this steel category, High Manganese Steel Tanto brings together a curated range of pieces in this style.

The handle is built over a wooden core and wrapped in brown cord using a close, even diagonal pattern. The ito sits flush and tight along the tsuka, with no gaps between passes - a detail that signals deliberate handwork. A matching brown fabric sageo is tied at the kurikata of the saya, carrying the warm brown tone through the full presentation. A small silver kashira caps the butt of the handle, consistent with the restrained hardware approach across the piece.

The copper tsuba is cast with layered floral and vine relief across the full face, with gold gilding applied selectively to accent the raised details. The contrast between the dark oxidized copper ground and the gilded highlights gives the guard a layered, antique character. A cream-toned rectangular seppa seats between the tsuba face and the handle, providing a clean visual break at the habaki junction.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in a deep matte black lacquer. The surface texture shows a finely granular quality consistent with premium natural lacquer application over hardwood. The overall silhouette follows the gentle curve of the blade, and the kurigata placement supports proper sageo positioning. This saya finish pairs directly with pieces explored in the Blackwood Scabbard Aikuchi collection.

At 22 inches overall and 2 lbs, this tanto occupies a compact footprint - easy to mount on a display stand or position in a cabinet alongside longer pieces. Shipping weight is 3 lbs in a 24 x 2 x 2 inch package, arriving ready for immediate display.