Folded Melaleuca Steel Wakizashi with Tiger Tsuba, Brown Rayskin Saya & Gold Sageo

The blade is hand-forged from folded melaleuca steel, producing a layered grain pattern across the polished chrome surface. A natural hamon line runs the length of the nagasa, the result of the hand-finished tempering process. At 27.5 inches and full tang through the handle, the blade carries 2.2 lb of balanced weight that sits confidently in hand or on a wall mount. For collectors exploring the full range of Japanese Wakizashi, this piece delivers traditional construction at an accessible entry point.

The tsuka is built over a white real samegawa (rayskin) base, wrapped in brown ito cord in a traditional diamond-gap pattern. Copper fuchi and kashira fittings cap each end, maintaining a warm metallic consistency throughout the handle assembly. The grip sits at a practical length for a wakizashi proportioned at 30.7 inches overall.

The tsuba is a standout element - a gold-brown tiger-themed piece with carved relief detailing showing the tiger motif surrounded by cloud scroll designs. The gold and silver gilding catches light at different angles, and the copper seppa on either side transition cleanly into the handle and blade collar. The overall fitting style follows traditional koshirae mounting conventions.

The saya is wrapped in genuine pearl rayskin (samegawa) in brown, giving the scabbard a fine stippled texture across its full length. Real horn koiguchi and kojiri provide durable end fittings at the mouth and tip. A gold sageo cord is tied in a decorative knot at the kurikata, creating a vivid color contrast against the deep brown saya that makes the piece visually striking from across a room.

At 30.7 in total length, 1.26 in blade width, and 2.2 lb, this folded melaleuca steel wakizashi is a well-proportioned replica in full koshirae dress. The brown-and-gold color scheme, tiger tsuba, and rayskin-wrapped saya make it a distinctive piece for Japanese sword collectors focused on traditional aesthetics and detailed fittings.