1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Red-Black Saya and Carved Tsuba

The blade of this katana is forged from 1000-layer folded melaleuca steel, the repeated folding process producing a distinctive layered grain structure visible along the flat. A hamon line runs the length of the cutting edge, and the polished chrome finish catches light cleanly from tip to habaki. At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.26-inch width and 0.28-inch spine, the proportions follow traditional katana geometry without compromise.

The tsuka is built on a full-tang wood core, fitted with real white samegawa beneath the black ito wrap. The cord is wound in the classic diamond pattern, leaving the samegawa visible at each opening - a detail that separates hand-finished construction from lower-tier alternatives. Copper fittings at both the kashira and habaki carry warm brown-gold tones that tie the handle visually to the tsuba.

The tsuba is one of the most visually complex elements of this koshirae. Cast and carved in copper, it presents a dragon theme rendered in relief with gold and silver gilding across the surrounding floral and cloud motifs. The open-work areas add depth, and the brown-gold base color grounds the design without competing with the saya's more dramatic palette. This piece is part of a broader Decorative Japanese Sword tradition where fittings carry as much visual weight as the blade itself.

The saya is the defining visual statement of this katana. Constructed from hardwood and finished with premium natural lacquer, the base coat is split between deep black toward the koiguchi and a vivid red field across the body. Over that ground, a gold and black dragon is hand-painted in fine detail - the creature's body coils from the tip upward, with red eyes and scaled texture rendered with precision. Real horn koiguchi and kojiri fittings frame the lacquer work at each end. The black sageo is knotted at the kurikata with a layered cord finish that echoes the tsuka's ito color.

This katana weighs 3.2 lb and ships in packaging measuring 43.4 x 3.9 x 3.14 inches. The multi-colored saya, carved copper tsuba, and folded steel blade make this one of the more detailed pieces in the Most Expensive Katana category - a collector's piece where every component has been considered. Sword stand is not included.