T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Tiger Tsuba in Black - Real Hamon, Full Tang, Marble Saya

The blade of this katana is forged from T10 carbon steel and built to full tang construction, meaning the steel runs uninterrupted from tip through the entire handle core. The hand-finished edge carries a visible hamon - the temper line that emerges from the differential hardening process - creating a natural wave pattern along the length of the blade. At 41 inches overall with a blade width of 1.259 inches, the proportions follow traditional katana geometry while the chrome-finish surface highlights the hamon's contrast against the polished steel.

The handle is wrapped in black cotton cord using a traditional diamond-pattern braid over a foundation of genuine white samegawa (ray skin). The textured ray skin provides grip structure beneath the wrap, while the white panels visible between the cord crossings create a sharp visual rhythm along the tsuka. A small gold menuki accent is seated within the wrap, adding a refined detail that rewards close inspection.

The tsuba is the standout component of this koshirae. Cast in a gold-black finish, it features a tiger theme rendered with gold and silver gilding - a prowling tiger emerges from the metalwork surrounded by stylized foliage, all set against a darkened background with an openwork lattice border. The contrast between the gilded tiger and the dark ground gives the guard a dramatic, gallery-quality appearance.

The saya is crafted from hardwood with a lacquer finish that produces the marble effect visible across its surface - a dark base scattered with gold, blue, and silver speckle that shifts under light. This is the defining visual feature of the piece, and it pairs directly with the Marble Katana aesthetic that collectors recognize. The black sageo cord is tied at the kurikata in a traditional knot, completing the monochrome-and-metallic palette.

At 3 lbs and packaged in a 43 x 4 x 4 inch box, this katana is suited for wall display, shelf presentation, or collection. The koshirae-style fittings - coordinated black cord, gold-black tsuba, and marble saya - make it a cohesive visual piece. If you are also exploring Blue Blade T10 Carbon Steel Katana options in the same steel grade, this piece offers a contrast in aesthetic direction while sharing the same core material standard.