Tamahagane Steel Katana with Clay-Tempered Blade, Black Saya & Beige Ito Wrap

The blade of this katana is forged from tamahagane steel, the same material historically smelted in Japanese tatara furnaces for centuries. Clay tempering produces a genuine hamon line along the edge - a visible boundary where the hardened edge meets the softer spine, giving the blade both structural character and a distinctive surface pattern. The full-tang construction runs the steel continuously from tip through handle, contributing to the sword's 3 lb. balanced weight. For collectors interested in authentic steel traditions, our Tamahagane Steel Katana collection brings together swords built around this material.

The tsuka is wrapped in beige ito cord using a traditional diamond-pattern braid over white samegawa (ray skin). Knot paper wraps beneath each diamond keep the cord placement precise and stable over time. The result is a handle that reads as cream-toned and textured in hand, with the samegawa surface providing grip through its naturally rough nodule structure. Menuki fittings sit beneath the wrap at their traditional positions.

The black iron tsuba is finished with a geometric carved pattern across its face - a basketweave-style relief that gives the guard visual weight without ornate figural imagery. Its matte-black surface tone connects cleanly with the black saya below, keeping the color palette cohesive across the full assembly.

The saya is constructed from hardwood with a natural lacquer finish in deep black. A beige sageo cord is knotted at the kurigata, echoing the handle ito color and completing the two-tone pairing across the koshirae. The black-and-beige contrast is consistent throughout: black nagasa, black saya, black tsuba against the cream cord, cream samegawa, and cream sageo.

Overall length is 41 inches, blade width 1.259 inches, blade thickness 0.275 inches, and sword weight 3 lb. Shipped in a 43 x 4 x 4 inch package at 4 lb. shipping weight. Sword stand not included. This piece is suited for collectors drawn to traditional koshirae construction and tamahagane steel presentation.