1095 Carbon Steel Katana with Black-Red Lightning Saya in Koshirae Style - Bronze Crane Tsuba

The blade is ground from 1095 carbon steel and brought to a high-polish chrome finish that reflects cleanly along its length. Running full tang through the handle core, the nagasa measures 40.55 inches overall and weighs 2.8 lb - proportions that feel purposeful in hand and look equally composed on a stand. A real hamon traces the edge, the visible result of hand-finishing work rather than etching, giving the blade a subtle activity line that rewards close inspection. Browse the full 1095 Steel Katana lineup for additional configurations in this steel.

The tsuka is built on a wooden core wrapped in PU black samegawa, then bound with black ito cord in a tight, even diamond pattern. Menuki details are set beneath the wrap, adding low-profile texture at the grip points. The assembly is finished in all-black with consistent tonal unity from pommel to habaki.

At the blade-handle junction, a bronze tsuba carries a hand-engraved crane-and-foliage composition - fine line work in an aged bronze tone that reads as genuinely crafted rather than stamped. The fuchi and kashira pick up a gold tone, bridging the warm bronze of the tsuba and the cool chrome of the blade without visual conflict. A square gold-tone habaki seats cleanly against the tsuba face.

The saya is the visual statement piece of this build. Hardwood forms the core, sealed under premium natural lacquer in deep black, then overlaid with red lightning vein patterning across the full length. The effect shifts between dark maroon and bright crimson depending on the light angle - dense and graphic, not subtle. A black sageo with red-accented kurikata and tassel ends completes the mounting, carrying the red thread from saya to cord in a deliberate design choice.

Overall dimensions run 40.55" x 1.259" x 0.275" with a shipping weight of 3.3 lb. The koshirae-style fittings throughout - bronze crane tsuba, lacquered hardwood saya, cord-wrapped tsuka - make this a strong choice for collectors focused on 1095 High Carbon Katana builds that prioritize visual cohesion alongside steel quality.