1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Red Lacquer Saya - Black Cord Handle, Gold-Black Flower Tsuba

The blade on this katana is forged from 1000-layer folded melaleuca steel, a process that repeatedly folds and welds the steel to produce a visible grain structure across the flat. The chrome-polished surface brings out that layered texture clearly, and the hamon line - the undulating temper boundary along the edge - runs the full length of the blade in a wave pattern that catches light from multiple angles. At 41 inches overall and 3 lbs, the proportions reflect a standard tachi-length koshirae build.

The tsuka is wrapped in black cotton cord over a white ray-skin (samegawa) base. The alternating diamond pattern of the ito wrap holds tight against the samegawa, and the white underlayer peeks through the gaps in a classic contrast. The full-tang construction means the blade steel extends completely through the handle, secured within the wooden core beneath the wrap. If you're exploring similar builds in this series, the Red Folded Steel Katana collection covers additional configurations with this saya color.

The tsuba is one of the most visually distinctive elements of this piece. Cast in a gold-black two-tone finish with a floral relief motif, the oval guard features deeply carved botanical detail - leaves and blossoms worked into the surface in a style that reads clearly at close range. The gold tone sits against the black background in a way that complements both the chrome blade and the dark handle wrap.

The saya is built from hardwood and finished in a deep red natural lacquer. The color is a saturated dark crimson with visible surface variation - not a flat painted finish, but one that shows the hand-applied lacquer character. Black sageo cord is knotted at the kurikata in a traditional looped arrangement, and the kojiri cap at the tip is fitted flush. The red-and-black pairing across the full assembly gives the piece a consistent, deliberate color story.

This katana ships at 4 lbs in a 43 x 4 x 4 inch package. It is a replica and collectible piece in koshirae style. Sword stand is not included.