Lightning Blade Tanto in Stainless Steel with Black Hardwood Saya - Blue Cord Handle, Gold Dragon Tsuba

The blade of this tanto is forged from stainless steel and finished with a precision-etched lightning pattern that runs the full length of the surface. Unlike a plain polished edge, this texture gives the steel a layered, storm-like visual depth - each line branching across the flat in a way that catches light differently at every angle. The full-tang construction anchors the blade securely through the handle core, contributing to the piece's 4 lb. overall weight and balanced feel across its 21-inch length. If you're exploring Full Tang Tanto options, this build reflects that standard throughout.

The handle is assembled over a wood core wrapped first in white PU samegawa - a textured ray-skin substitute - then bound tightly in deep navy blue cord using traditional tsuka-maki technique. Diamond-shaped (hishi) openings in the wrapping expose the white underlayer at regular intervals, creating the high-contrast geometric pattern visible along the grip. White menuki accents are tucked beneath the cord wrap near the pommel end, adding a secondary detail layer within the binding.

The tsuba is cast alloy with a textured hammered-finish ground and a prominently raised dragon motif rendered in gold tone. The sculptural relief is substantial enough to read clearly even from a distance, and the gold coloring contrasts directly against the dark blade steel on one side and the navy handle wrap on the other. A small gold fuchi collar transitions cleanly from tsuba to handle.

The saya is constructed from hardwood and finished in high-gloss black lacquer. A navy blue sageo cord is looped through the kurikata fitting at the saya's midsection and tied off with a small oval bead, echoing the handle wrap color and completing the navy-and-gold palette across the full piece. The Black Tanto collection includes additional builds using this same black saya format if you want to compare finishing approaches.

Overall length is 21 inches with a shipping weight of 5 lb. and packaging dimensions of 23 x 4 x 4 inches. The sword stand is not included. This tanto is suited for display or collection use by anyone drawn to the lightning-theme blade finish and the blue-and-gold color combination.