Pattern Steel Tanto with Real Hamon, Black Rayskin Handle & Gray Rayskin Saya - Aikuchi Style

The blade is forged from folded pattern damascus steel, a multi-layer construction that produces the flowing grain lines visible along the flat and a genuine hamon running the length of the edge. Heat treatment and oil quenching set the hardness differential between the edge and spine, resulting in the authentic temper line rather than an acid-etched imitation. The surface is brought to a hand-polished finish that allows the steel's natural pattern to read clearly under light. For collectors looking for traditional Japanese short-blade forms, this piece sits naturally alongside our Damascus Tanto selection.

The handle core is full tang - the steel extends the complete length of the grip, anchored beneath the black samegawa (rayskin) wrap. Rayskin's natural nodule texture provides grip even without cord over-wrap. Set into the samegawa on both sides are gold-tone floral menuki, small raised fittings that historically served both decorative and grip-alignment purposes. The kashira (pommel cap) is finished in gold tone and shaped into a layered petal or comb form, adding a sculptural detail at the butt end.

This tanto is built in the aikuchi style - there is no tsuba (hand guard). A single gold-tone copper habaki sits between the blade and handle, serving as the blade collar and locking the sword into the saya. The absence of a guard is intentional and historically accurate to the aikuchi form, which was carried by samurai in formal or civilian dress where a guard was considered unnecessary.

The saya is covered in gray pearl rayskin, matching the textured aesthetic of the handle but in a contrasting lighter tone. Cream-colored braided sageo cord is laced through the kurikata fitting and tied in a traditional knot along the body of the saya. Gold-tone metal fittings finish the koiguchi (mouth) of the saya. Collectors building out short-blade sets may also want to explore the Damascus Steel Hamidashi category for related guard-style variations.

Overall length is 19 inches at a weight of 2 lbs. The sword ships in a 21 x 2 x 2 inch package with a shipping weight of 3 lbs. Note: no sword stand or holder is included.