Folded Steel Tanto with Blue Cord Handle, Gold Tsuba & Black Lacquer Saya - Japanese Short Sword

The blade on this tanto is forged from folded melaleuca steel, a multi-layer folding process that consolidates the steel and develops the distinctive grain pattern visible along the flat. The hand-finished edge runs to a clean kissaki tip, and the folding lines give the blade surface a character that sets it apart from stock-removal pieces. At 20 inches overall and 2 pounds, the proportions are compact and direct - true to the tanto form. Explore more options in our Folded Steel Tanto collection.

The handle core is wrapped in genuine white samegawa (rayskin), whose raised nodules provide grip texture beneath the outer cord. Over that, bright blue cotton cord is laced in the traditional diamond pattern - each opening in the lacing exposes a small black menuki accent beneath. The result is a high-contrast blue, white, and black visual across the tsuka that reads clearly from a distance.

The tsuba is a circular guard cast with engraved scrollwork across its face, finished in a warm gold tone. Brass habaki and fuchi collars frame the guard cleanly, their gold color unifying the metal fittings from blade to handle. The collar at the kashira end echoes the same engraved motif, tying the handle hardware together.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished with a natural lacquer coat in gloss black. A braided sageo in blue and white cotton is tied at the kurigata in a formal knot, with short tassel ends hanging free. The black saya against the blue cord handle creates a sharp two-tone contrast that makes this piece display well against neutral backgrounds. For a handleless variation on this silhouette, see our Full Tang Aikuchi collection.

Overall length is 20 inches and shipping weight is 3 pounds. The sword stand is not included. This tanto is a handcrafted collectible suited for display or as a focused piece in a Japanese sword collection.