WWII Shin Gunto Type 98 Officer Katana - Manganese Steel with Brown Leather Saya and Floral Alloy Tsuba

This Shin Gunto Type 98 replica features a full tang manganese steel blade that has been hand-forged and finished to a refined edge. The steel delivers solid durability and reliable edge retention, making it a substantial collectible piece. At 41 inches overall and weighing 3 lbs, the sword carries the heft and proportions authentic to WWII-era Japanese officer swords found in the WW2 Samurai Sword tradition.

The 11-inch tsuka is built on a wooden core wrapped in PU white samegawa, then bound with yellow cord in a traditional crisscross pattern. The white diamond shapes of the samegawa peek through the orange-gold cord, creating a warm visual contrast that stands out against the darker fittings at each end of the handle. A braided sageo cord in matching brown hangs from the kurikata.

At the junction of blade and handle sits an alloy tsuba with an intricate openwork floral design. The guard features a dark patina body with gold-tone brass habaki collar and seppa spacers, adding a layered metallic contrast. Cherry blossom motifs on the floral pattern reference a classic Japanese design element that complements the military styling of the piece.

The hardwood saya is fully wrapped in PU brown leather with a rich, warm chestnut tone. Silver-toned alloy fittings - including the koiguchi, kurikata, and kojiri - are engraved with detailed scroll patterns that accent the smooth leather surface. A decorative sageo ring on the kurikata features a small medallion, adding another layer of period-appropriate detail to the scabbard.

Designed as a faithful replica of the Imperial Japanese Army Type 98 Shin Gunto officer sword, this piece captures the distinctive military aesthetic of the era. The combination of manganese steel construction, leather-wrapped saya, and traditional tsuka wrapping makes it a fitting addition to any Brown Katana collection or WWII memorabilia display. Sword stand or holder is not included.