1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Skull-Engraved Black Saya and Brown Ito

The blade on this katana is forged from 1000-layer folded melaleuca steel, a process that compresses and refines the steel grain through repeated folding. The result is a chrome-finish surface with visible layering along the flat and a clean hamon line running the length of the edge. The full-tang construction means the steel extends completely through the handle core - there are no pinned or glued blade-to-handle joints. Explore more options in our 1000 Layer Folded Katana collection.

The tsuka is built over the full tang with a white ray-skin (samegawa) base layer, then wrapped in brown ito cord in the traditional diamond-pattern. Gold-tone menuki accents are set beneath the ito at two points along the handle, visible through the wrap gaps and adding a warm metallic contrast against the dark cord.

The black iron tsuba carries a skull theme rendered through cutwork and relief detailing. The circular form is finished in matte black with the skull motifs distributed evenly around the face - bold enough to read clearly, detailed enough to reward close inspection. A brass-tone habaki collar seats the blade firmly at the guard.

The saya is crafted from hardwood with a black lacquer finish and features a hand-applied skull engraving that exposes the natural wood tone beneath the lacquer. The imagery spans the lower half of the scabbard and creates a strong visual contrast - warm sandy wood grain set against gloss black. A brown sageo cord is attached at the kurigata for carry or display. This piece is part of our broader Folded Steel Sword lineup for collectors who prioritize blade craftsmanship.

Overall length is 41 inches with a shipping weight of 4 lbs. Package dimensions are 43 x 4 x 4 inches. Note: sword stand or holder is not included.