T10 Steel Katana with Clay Tempered Blade, Real Hamon - Blue Ito & Black Lacquer Saya

The blade starts with T10 carbon steel, a high-carbon tool steel prized for its edge retention and fine grain structure. Clay tempering is applied along the spine before quenching, creating the differential hardness that produces the authentic hamon visible along the 28.34-inch nagasa. Hardness reaches 60 HRC at the edge. The full tang runs the complete length of the handle, providing structural integrity from tip to pommel.

The handle assembly pairs real white samegawa - genuine rayskin with its characteristic pebbly texture - under a tightly hand-wrapped navy blue ito. The diamond pattern of the wrap sits cleanly over the samegawa, with each lozenge framing the white rayskin beneath. The 11.02-inch tsuka length gives a comfortable two-handed grip position. The tsuba is cast alloy with a tiger-theme relief, finished in gold tone, and sits flush against the habaki collar.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in piano lacquer, giving the exterior a deep, mirror-black gloss that reflects light evenly across its 28.74-inch length. A blue sageo is knotted at the kurikata, echoing the ito color and completing the blue-and-black palette that runs from handle to scabbard.

Visually, this katana reads as a study in contrast: the chrome-finish blade against the glossy black saya, navy blue cord against white rayskin, and gold-tone tiger tsuba pulling the eye to the transition point between blade and handle. The hamon line - undulating along the lower third of the blade - adds further visual movement to the polished steel.

The complete piece measures 41 inches overall and weighs 3 lbs. It ships in packaging measuring 43 x 4 x 4 inches at a shipping weight of 4 lbs. Note: sword stand not included.