Aikuchi Tanto in Damascus Steel with Dark Wood Saya - Floral Copper Fittings, Brown Handle

The blade on this aikuchi tanto is forged from 1,000-layer folded Damascus steel, shaped by hand and heat-treated with an oil quench to produce a visible hamon line along the edge. The folding process creates a flowing grain pattern across the flat - each sword comes out slightly different - and the surface is brought to a traditional hand-polished finish that emphasizes the layered structure. Full-tang construction runs the full length of the handle, keeping weight distribution consistent at 0.5 lb. across the 12-inch overall length. For more options in this material, browse our Damascus Tanto collection.

The handle is shaped from dark hardwood with a natural wood-grain finish visible through the deep brown tone. A single gold mekugi pin secures the tang in place. The grip runs clean and unbound - this is a traditional aikuchi configuration with no tsuba, which gives the transition from handle to blade an uninterrupted, understated profile.

The fittings are the visual centerpiece of this piece. The fuchi band where handle meets blade is cast in copper and hand-engraved with a dense floral and vine scroll, accented in gold and silver gilding. The kashira cap at the pommel carries the same botanical motif with matching gilding tones. The koiguchi collar at the saya mouth and the kojiri cap at the tip repeat the pattern, so every metal element shares one coherent decorative language.

The saya is built from hardwood and finished in a deep dark brown with a smooth lacquer surface. The wood grain is faintly visible beneath the finish, giving it a warm rather than flat appearance. Fitted copper fittings at both ends tie the scabbard visually to the handle fittings, completing the overall composition. Collectors looking at similar construction can also explore the Damascus Japanese Tanto range for related styles.

At 12 in. length, 1.1 in. blade width, and 0.5 lb., this tanto sits well on a desk stand or mounted horizontally on a wall. The aikuchi form - guardless, compact, and fully fitted - reflects a classical Japanese short-blade aesthetic suited to serious collectors and Japanese sword enthusiasts. Stand is not included.