Damascus Steel Tanto with Red Rayskin Saya - Bronze Tsuba, Black-Red Sageo, Wave Hamon Blade

The blade on this tanto is forged from folded damascus steel - referred to in traditional contexts as melaleuca or pattern-welded steel - where multiple layers are folded and forge-welded together until the internal grain rises to the surface as a flowing, wave-like texture. A hand-finished hamon line runs along the edge, and a wave engraving reinforces the fluid visual language carried throughout the piece. Because the layering pattern is shaped by the smith during forging, no two blades share an identical surface mark. Explore more pieces in this construction style through our Handmade Tanto collection.

The tsuka is wrapped in black cord over white samegawa rayskin, following the classic koshirae style. The natural texture of the rayskin provides grip beneath the wrap while the diamond-pattern windows in the black braid reveal the white under-layer - a detail that reads clearly even from a distance on a display shelf.

The bronze tsuba is cast in an ornate scroll motif, giving the guard a heavily worked, layered appearance that reads as antique from the moment the piece arrives. Bronze develops a natural patina over time, deepening from its initial warm tone into a richer, character-marked brown - a process collectors actively value as evidence of the metal's authenticity.

The saya is finished in red rayskin, textured with the fine, pearlescent grain pattern characteristic of genuine ray hide. A black-and-red braided sageo cord wraps around the scabbard in an interlaced knot pattern, with a small amber-toned ornament set at the knot point. The red-and-black color relationship references a pairing seen in traditional Japanese ceremonial fittings, and it stands apart from the black or brown scabbards found on the majority of tanto in this category. This piece also appears in our Red Saya Aikuchi collection for collectors building around that specific aesthetic.

Overall length is 21.65 inches, blade width 1.26 inches, and total weight 1.54 lb. Ships in a 23 x 3 x 3 inch package at 3 lb. Stand not included. Free shipping and 30-day money-back guarantee.