Damascus Steel Tanto with Blue Dragon Saya - Gold Alloy Tsuba, Blue Cord Handle

The blade on this tanto is forged from pattern-welded damascus steel, producing the layered visual grain that defines this steel type. A hand-finished edge runs the length of the single-bevel blade, and a visible hamon line traces the transition zone where the edge meets the body - a defining characteristic of traditionally styled Japanese short swords. Full-tang construction carries the steel through the entire handle core for consistent balance across the 22-inch overall length.

The tsuka (handle) is built over a full-tang core and wrapped in navy blue cotton cord using a standard tsuka-maki pattern over black PU samegawa (ray-skin). The firm diamond-lattice wrap provides a secure, non-slip hold while keeping the handle profile slim and historically proportioned. Gold-tone menuki ornaments are seated beneath the cord at regular intervals, visible through the wrap and adding detail without disrupting the grip geometry.

The gold-tone alloy tsuba is the most visually commanding fitting on this tanto. Its circular face carries dense relief carving across the full surface, and the hammered texture of the habaki area just below it adds contrast. Matching gold-tone fittings at the kashira (pommel cap) and throughout the handle create a unified metalwork palette that anchors the navy and gold color scheme from tip to handle end.

The saya is lacquered in a deep, glossy navy blue and hand-painted with a full-body gold dragon design accented with red and orange detail work. The dragon coils across most of the scabbard face, giving this tanto a strong visual identity that connects it to classic East Asian dragon iconography. A navy blue sageo cord is wrapped and knotted at the kurigata, completing the all-blue-and-gold presentation. For more options in this color family, see our Dark Blue Sageo Tanto collection.

At 22 inches overall and 2 lbs, this tanto sits in the compact, display-friendly range of the Japanese short sword form. The package ships at 3 lbs in a 24 x 2 x 2 inch box. Whether you are expanding an existing Japanese sword display or looking for a single statement piece, this tanto's blue-and-gold color story and Blue Damascus Steel Tanto lineage make it a distinctive addition to any collection.