Shikomizue Stick Sword Manganese Steel Blade with Phoenix-Painted Saya in Black

The manganese steel blade on this shikomizue runs a clean, straight profile with a polished chrome finish and a hand-finished edge that catches light evenly along the entire length. Full-tang construction means the steel extends through the handle without interruption, giving the piece solid structural integrity from tip to pommel. The blade geometry follows the traditional shikomizue form - no curve, no hamon, just an honest straight line terminating in a sharp chisel-style tip. For collectors exploring Manganese Sword options, this construction offers a reliable, low-maintenance steel that holds up well under display conditions.

The tsuka follows the shirasaya aesthetic - no ito wrapping, no menuki, just clean black-finished hardwood shaped to fit naturally in hand. The matte black surface has a subtle texture that prevents slipping without any additional binding material. It's a minimalist handle design that keeps the visual focus where it belongs: on the saya.

Between blade and handle, a plain gold-tone habaki collar provides the transition point. The collar is smooth and unadorned, which lets it function as a quiet metallic accent rather than a decorative statement. The gold tone pairs well with the warm amber and orange tones in the saya artwork without competing with them.

The hardwood saya is the centerpiece of this piece. Finished in natural lacquer and hand-painted with a phoenix design, the scabbard features the bird rendered in deep black with detailed feather work picking up orange, gold, and iridescent tones against a warm amber and red background. The upper half of the saya remains solid black lacquer, giving the composition room to breathe. Because the painting is done by hand, color placement and detail variation will differ slightly from piece to piece. This shikomizue belongs naturally alongside other Japanese Stick Sword collectibles for anyone building a themed display.

At 41 inches overall and 2 lbs, this shikomizue is a proportionally balanced collectible - present enough to display prominently, light enough to handle without fatigue. Packaged in a 43 x 4 x 4 inch box with a shipping weight of 3 lbs. Sword stand not included.