Gray Katana with Dragon-Engraved Saya in Manganese Steel - Black Tsuka, Gold-Black Tsuba

The blade is forged from high manganese steel, ground and polished to a bright chrome finish that catches light across its curved length. A natural hamon line runs along the edge, showing the differential treatment between edge and spine - a defining visual mark of traditional katana geometry. At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.26-inch width profile, the proportions follow classical katana form without compromise.

The tsuka is built on a hardwood core wrapped first in black ray-skin (samegawa) then finished with tightly wound diagonal black cord. The contrasting texture between the bumped samegawa beneath and the firm cord wrap gives both grip structure and visual depth. Silver-tone fittings at the kashira complete the handle assembly cleanly.

The tsuba is one of the most visually striking elements on this piece - a pierced alloy guard in gold and black featuring an openwork dragon motif. The gold habaki collar seats directly below, creating a warm metallic transition point between the cool chrome blade and the dark handle. This two-tone hardware pairing is consistent throughout the fittings.

The gray hardwood lacquer saya is the centerpiece of this katana's design. A detailed dragon is hand-engraved across nearly the full scabbard surface - scales, claws, and facial features rendered in high contrast against the gray lacquer ground. A black sageo cord wraps the kurikata, matching the tsuka cord and tying the overall color palette together. Browse our full range in the Gray Manganese Steel Japanese Samurai Swords collection.

At 3.17 lbs and packaged at 43.3 x 3.93 x 3.14 inches, this katana is sized for serious display in koshirae style - blade, saya, and fittings presented as a unified set. Whether mounted on a stand or displayed fully assembled, it represents a well-executed combination of material, engraving craft, and traditional hardware design. For more standout options, explore our Best Katana collection.