Damascus Steel Katana with Skull Tsuba - Black Lacquer Saya & Gold Medallion Accents

The blade on this katana is forged from folded Damascus steel, finished to a bright chrome polish that highlights the layered grain pattern running along the flat. At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.26-inch width at the base, the blade carries a full tang that extends through the entire handle - giving the piece the solid feel expected in a serious Natural Damascus Steel Katana for display or collection.

The handle is built on a traditional tsuka base wrapped in white ray-skin (samegawa) and bound with black cord in the classic diamond-lozenge pattern. Gold-tone fittings and habaki frame the transition point between blade and handle, adding a warm metallic contrast to the otherwise dark color scheme.

The tsuba is the most striking design element on this piece: an antiqued silver alloy guard sculpted in a skull motif with fine surface relief detail. It sits firmly at the blade base and gives the katana its defining character - gothic in tone, precise in execution.

The saya is crafted from hardwood and finished in a smooth black lacquer coat. Four round gold medallions with geometric maze-pattern engravings are evenly spaced along the scabbard body, catching light and breaking the black surface with warm copper-gold detail. A black sageo cord with a knotted tassel attaches at the kurigata, completing the presentation.

At 3.17 lb and 40.5 inches, this katana is proportioned for wall mounting or upright display. Each piece is individually handmade, so minor variations in wood grain and cord tension are inherent to the process. Sword stand not included.