Manganese Steel Tanto with Engraved Blade in Blue Saya - Blue Cord Handle

The blade on this tanto is forged from manganese steel and hand-finished to a bright polish, with a distinctive engraved channel running its length - circular medallion motifs and flowing vine patterns give it a look unlike any plain-ground tanto in this price range. Full-tang construction keeps the geometry solid from tip to pommel, and the precision-finished edge reflects the light cleanly along its entire run.

The handle wraps blue PU samegawa (ray-skin imitation) beneath a tightly wound blue cord, creating a layered grip that fills the hand evenly. Gold-tone menuki ornaments are tucked into the cord at the traditional position, adding a small but intentional contrast point. The black alloy kashira at the pommel carries carved floral relief that echoes the tsuba design above.

The alloy tsuba is fitted with a raised floral pattern in black - cherry blossoms rendered with enough depth that the petals catch shadow. An antique brass habaki collar seats flush below it, warm in tone against the blue cord, and makes the transition from handle to blade feel intentional rather than abrupt. Browse our Japanese Tanto Blade collection to compare tsuba styles across the lineup.

The saya is built from hardwood and finished in blue natural lacquer with scattered gold flecks distributed across the surface - the effect reads almost like a night-sky glaze in direct light. Black carved fittings at the koiguchi (mouth) and tip mirror the handle hardware exactly, giving the assembled piece a cohesive color story from end to end.

At 22 inches overall and 3 lbs, this tanto sits in the classic short-blade range that suits both compact display setups and hands-on handling. It ships at 4 lbs in a 24 x 3 x 3 inch package. If you want to explore more options in this finish family, the Blue Manganese Steel Hamidashi collection offers related pieces with the same blue-and-gold palette.