1095 Carbon Steel Katana with Black Hardwood Saya - Tiger Theme Scabbard & Silver Tsuba

The blade of this katana is forged from 1095 carbon steel and finished to a polished chrome surface that catches light cleanly from tip to base. A real hamon runs the length of the blade, produced through the hardening process and visible as a distinct wavy temper line just above the edge. The full-tang construction extends through the entire handle, giving the piece solid weight distribution across its 40.5-inch overall length and 2.8 lb frame.

The tsuka is built over the tang with PU white samegawa as the underlayer - a smooth imitation ray-skin wrap that adds texture and grip. Over that sits a hand-applied black-and-white cord wrap in the traditional diamond pattern, creating sharp geometric contrast along the handle. The matching black-and-white sageo cord tied at the saya mouth reinforces the two-tone visual theme throughout.

The silver alloy tsuba is the focal point of the koshirae fittings. Cast with a tiger relief on the face and detailed border engraving along the rim, it holds the tiger theme that runs through the entire piece. A gold-toned habaki collar sits between blade and tsuba, providing the fit and finish transition typical of traditional Japanese sword mountings.

The saya is the most visually distinctive element of this katana. Shaped from lacquered hardwood and finished in deep gloss black, it carries a hand-painted white tiger scene across its upper section. The tiger is rendered with fine stripe detailing, a crouching posture, and a red-eye accent that reads clearly against the black lacquer ground. The overall effect is bold without being cluttered - a single strong image on a clean dark field.

At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.25-inch blade width and 2.8 lb total weight, this piece has the proportions of a full-size katana. It suits horizontal wall display, vertical stand mounting, or shelf arrangement alongside other pieces in a 1095 Katana Sword collection. Note: display stand is not included.