T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon Tsuba in Dark Blue Ito & Hand-Painted Hardwood Saya

The blade on this katana is forged from T10 carbon steel and clay-tempered to produce a genuine hamon - that flowing, cloud-like temper line running the length of the chrome-polished edge. The differential hardening process leaves the cutting edge harder while keeping the spine flexible, resulting in a full-tang blade that holds its geometry under real use and displays beautifully under light. At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.26-inch width, the proportions follow classic katana geometry.

The tsuka is wrapped in dark navy ito cord in a tight, even diamond pattern over real white same (ray skin), giving both grip texture and visual contrast. Bronze fuchi and kashira fittings carry the dragon motif upward from the guard, their gold accent details catching the light against the deep blue wrap. The menuki underneath add a subtle raised profile beneath the ito for a more secure hold.

The centerpiece of the koshirae is the bronze dragon tsuba - a deeply carved, openwork design depicting a coiling dragon surrounded by stylized wave elements, with gold and silver gilding highlighting the relief work against the aged copper-tone background. The casting is dense and detailed, with crisp edges on the dragon scales and a weight that feels substantial in hand.

The hardwood saya is finished in a warm natural amber-to-brown gradient and hand-painted across its full length with a panoramic scene: a dragon descending over pagodas, pine trees, and traditional architecture rendered in sepia and dark ink tones with red floral accents near the kojiri. A natural lacquer topcoat protects the artwork and gives the saya a soft sheen. The dark blue sageo cord is braided in a traditional style and tied with a decorative knot at the kurigata. For collectors exploring Fighting Katana Sword options, the clay-tempered T10 construction here represents a meaningful step up in blade quality.

Shipping weight is 4 lb. in a 43 x 4 x 4 in. package. Sword stand is not included. Every element - blade, fittings, tsuka, and saya - works together as a coherent koshirae set built around the dragon theme, making this a strong centerpiece for a serious Japanese sword collection.