Damascus Steel Tanto in Black Rayskin Saya with Crane Carving and Gold Tsuba

The blade is forged from pattern-welded damascus steel and hand-finished to reveal a flowing hamon line along the spine. A chrome-polished surface highlights the steel's natural layering, while the full-tang construction runs the length of the handle core, keeping the piece solid and balanced at 1 lb across its 12-inch overall length. A small engraved character mark near the base of the blade adds a final artisanal touch.

The tsuka is wrapped in genuine black samegawa - real rayskin - whose tightly packed nodules create a non-slip texture and a distinctly Japanese grip aesthetic. Set into the wrap are a pair of raised menuki cast in gold and copper tones depicting plum blossoms on a twisting branch, one of the most recognizable motifs in classical Japanese sword fittings.

A rectangular gold tsuba engraved with a landscape pattern separates blade from handle. The warm gold tone picks up the metallic detail of the menuki and carries the color story from grip to guard, while the matching black habaki and collar fittings keep the transition clean.

The saya is the most visually striking element of this tanto. Covered in black rayskin, it is carved in full relief into the form of a crane in flight - wings spread, head turned, tail feathers fanning outward. The carving sits prominently on one face of the scabbard and doubles as a functional rest when the piece is laid on a surface. This style of figural saya carving is closely related to the Black Saya Aikuchi tradition, where the scabbard itself carries as much visual weight as the blade.

At 12 inches overall and 1 lb, this tanto fits comfortably on a desk stand or display shelf. The package ships in a 15 x 2 x 2-inch box at 2 lb. A sword stand is not included. For collectors exploring related koshirae styles, the Blackwood Scabbard Tanto collection offers complementary options in a different saya material.