Manganese Steel Tanto with Damascus Pattern Blade in Black Lacquer Saya - Gold Tsuba Dragon Design

The blade on this tanto is forged from manganese steel and finished with a folded Damascus-style layered pattern visible along the flat. A distinct hamon line runs the length of the edge, and a dragon engraving is etched into the blade surface near the base - hand-finished details that give the piece a layered visual character uncommon at this form factor. The tanto geometry keeps the profile clean and direct, with a chrome-finished edge that contrasts sharply against the patterned steel body.

The handle is wrapped in black cord over a ray-skin foundation, using a diagonal cross-lace pattern that maintains grip texture and visual consistency. At the pommel, a hammered gold kashira cap provides a weighted, refined endpoint that anchors the overall design. The full tang construction runs through the handle core, giving the assembly structural integrity throughout.

The gold-tone tsuba features ornate scroll engraving with geometric diamond and floral motifs pressed into the guard surface. It sits flush against a matching gold habaki collar at the blade base, creating a continuous metal accent that bridges the handle and blade. The engraving depth and finish quality are consistent across both fittings, reflecting the koshirae-style assembly approach used throughout this piece. For collectors interested in similar short-form Japanese designs, the ninja tanto collection offers related styles worth comparing.

The saya is constructed from hardwood with a black lacquer finish. A gold dragon illustration - rendered in fine painted linework - decorates the center of the scabbard face, accompanied by flanking calligraphic characters. The sageo is a multi-strand braid in blue, red, and brown tones, tied in a traditional bow knot near the scabbard mouth, adding color contrast against the dark ground. The overall saya surface shows a subtle smoke-gradient effect in the lacquer that deepens toward the tip.

Overall length is 22 inches with a total weight of 3 lb, shipped in a 24 x 2 x 2 inch package at 4 lb shipping weight. The black, gold, and chrome color scheme runs consistently from kashira to saya tip, making this tanto a cohesive koshirae presentation piece for collectors focused on dragon-themed or gold-accented Japanese short swords.