Product Details

This shirasaya tanto features a folded T10 carbon steel nagasa that has been clay tempered to produce a visible, genuine hamon line running along the edge. The folding process creates a layered Damascus grain across the flat of the steel, while heat treatment and oil quenching bring the edge to 58 HRC. The chrome-polished surface highlights both the folded grain and the organic hamon boundary between the hardened edge and the softer spine.

The 10.25-inch handle is carved from a single piece of natural rosewood, left unfinished to showcase the rich brown wood grain. A small brass mekugi pin secures the full tang within the handle, visible as a gold dot set into the wood. The handle tapers smoothly and sits comfortably in hand, staying true to the minimalist shirasaya form that forgoes traditional ito wrapping entirely.

At the junction of handle and nagasa, a gold-tone alloy habaki displays an intricate openwork pattern inspired by bamboo lattice. This fitting acts as both a visual accent and a structural collar, locking the nagasa securely into the saya. The contrast between warm brass tones and the surrounding rosewood gives this area a distinct focal point.

The matching rosewood saya carries the same natural brown grain as the handle, with a single black accent band near the mouth. The matte surface has a tactile, organic quality that pairs well with the understated shirasaya profile. A snug fit at the koiguchi keeps the tanto seated firmly when sheathed. Browse more pieces in our Handmade Tanto collection for similar traditional designs.

At 18 inches overall and 2 lbs, this tanto sits comfortably between a display piece and a hands-on collectible. The combination of folded T10 steel, clay tempering, and natural rosewood fittings places it within a tradition-focused tier of Japanese short swords. For additional T10 Tanto options forged from the same steel, explore our dedicated collection.

  • Forged from T10 carbon steel with a folded Damascus pattern, clay tempered to produce a genuine hamon line along the hand-finished edge at 58 HRC hardness.
  • Full tang construction with a 10.25-inch handle carved from natural rosewood, secured with a brass mekugi pin visible through the wood grain surface.
  • Gold-tone alloy habaki features an openwork bamboo lattice design that transitions cleanly from the rosewood handle to the polished steel nagasa.
  • Matching rosewood saya displays a warm brown wood grain texture with a black kurikata accent band, providing a seamless shirasaya aesthetic.
  • Overall length of 18 inches with a chrome-polished nagasa, weighing 2 lbs - a compact collectible piece rooted in traditional Japanese tanto design.

Specification

Product Specifications
Item NumberTK-JP-DL21303
Primary ColorNatural-wood
Primary MaterialT10 Carbon Steel
Saya ColorBrown
Saya MaterialHardwood Natural
Tsuka ColorBrown
Nagasa ColorChrome
Tsuba ColorGold
Tsuba ThemeOrnate Scroll
Nagasa HamonYes
StyleShirasaya
Dimensions18 Inches
Weight2.0 Pounds
Packing Size20 x 3 x 3 Inches
Shipping Weight3.0 Pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel and heat treatment does this tanto use?
This tanto is forged from folded T10 carbon steel, clay tempered with oil quenching to reach 58 HRC at the edge. The clay tempering creates a genuine hamon line, and the folding process produces a visible Damascus grain pattern across the polished nagasa surface.
What makes the rosewood shirasaya design stand out?
Both the handle and saya are carved from natural rosewood with a warm brown grain left in a matte finish. The shirasaya form has no ito wrapping or lacquer - just clean wood, a brass mekugi pin, and a gold-tone bamboo lattice habaki as the sole metal accent.
What is the habaki design on this shirasaya tanto?
The habaki is a gold-tone alloy collar with an openwork bamboo lattice pattern cut into the surface. It sits between the rosewood handle and the steel nagasa, providing both a secure lock for the saya and a visual contrast against the natural wood tones.

Customer Reviews(27)

Jim Gilbert New York, United States
Feb 24, 2026 13:07

My second blade bought from True Katana and I am very happy with both. Sharp and beautiful to look at.r
Highly recommend

Arvin Rogelio Castillo Gonzalez Utah, United States
Feb 12, 2026 20:56

its my first one, not the only one. i love good for decoration

Darrell Frank Alaska, United States
Feb 12, 2026 12:20

I can’t wait to cut up a moose with it.

Ed Mueller Virginia, United States
Jan 26, 2025 13:20

Excellent craftsmanship and balance. Wonderful!

Pierre Cecile Ile-de-france, France
Sep 07, 2024 04:52

Ce tanto est exellent. Tés bonne fabriquation.

Michael Boehm Oregon, United States
May 13, 2024 15:20

Exactly what I expected with fast shipping. Thank you!

Damon Jones Arkansas, United States
Jun 14, 2023 13:08

Excellent Quality and Professionally
Made !! I will buy from Again !!

Kyle Yanagimoto Texas, United States
Mar 19, 2023 10:02

Great quality and completely obsessed with it!!

Ralph L Nunez Michigan, United States
Feb 07, 2023 13:35

My Tanto sward arrived quickly. It was packed properly and arrived in excellent condition. It is beautifully crafted and razor sharp. The wooden handle and sheath matches perfectly and is a thing of beauty. It is a great addition to my collection. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. Ralph N.

Wasif Hussnain United States
Jan 15, 2023 17:09

Amazing piece of art actually feels like a collective item made with bamboo wood and weight shifts properly. Grip on the handle is just right and the blade’s pretty sharp. Buy it with you eyes close. Ture TANTO

Jason Thomas Carlile Maryland, United States
Dec 13, 2022 14:42

The tanto arrived in perfect condition with no major cosmetic flaws that I can see. The saya did have a bit of oil on the end that made it darker in that area but I was able to use a little rubbing alcohol to get rid of it. Now it's uniform and perfect. The wood finish is really good. Smooth with no rough spots or gouges. I don't see or feel any burrs on the blade that came generously oiled wrapped in plastic.

I removed one star because I wouldn't consider the blade "razor sharp". I've only tried it on a cardboard box so far and it did cut it with little force, but not as well as a much cheaper katana I've had since I was a kid. It could be sharper and I'll be looking into having that done. I'm also not a fan of having the company name in big bold letters on the shipping box that pretty much tells the world what's inside.

Overall I'm impressed with the weight and design of the sword. It's my first tanto and shirasaya and I plan on getting more in other styles. I also ordered its wakizashi and katana big brothers to complete the set.

Ruben Pina Texas, United States
Sep 14, 2022 13:12

Exactly what the advertised. Really loving the product can’t wait to by again.

Timothy James Min Ii Ohio, United States
Sep 04, 2022 13:19

Fast shipping and just as described... would order from again.

Tripp Thompson Florida, United States
Feb 17, 2022 10:58

Unfortunately the Sheath is cracked at the bottom from shipping. Besides that I love the blade very sharp and makes for nice decoration

Bradford T Hall Vermont, United States
Jan 13, 2022 16:43

Overall I'm happy with this tanto. The blade is extremely robust and the finish is generally excellent. My one complaint is with the saya. As received, the habaki would barely fit into the saya, and required a good hour of careful sanding and filing before it would fit correctly and smoothly.