Blue Blade Skull Katana in 1065 Carbon Steel with Black Lacquer Saya and Dark Blue Ito

The 28.74-inch blade is forged from 1065 carbon steel and heat-treated to 62 HRC, delivering a firm, well-supported edge. Its most distinctive feature is the blue surface finish laid over the flat of the blade, across which a dense field of skull engravings runs from the base nearly to the tip - visible from both sides and consistent along the full nagasa. For collectors drawn to the Blue Carbon Steel Katana category, this piece stands out through the depth of its engraved surface detail rather than paint or decal application.

The tsuka measures 10.62 inches and is built over a full-tang core. Black real rayskin (samegawa) is fitted beneath the wrap to provide grip texture and structural support. Dark blue cotton ito is wound in a traditional diagonal pattern, secured at regular intervals, and tied off neatly at the kashira. The result is a handle that seats firmly in the hand without bulk.

The tsuba is cast from alloy in black with gold-tone accent and follows a skull theme - the openwork hollows between the skull forms keep the guard from feeling heavy while reinforcing the visual motif that runs through the whole piece. Seen in the close-up, the serpent-shaped hitsu-ana cutout adds a secondary design layer against the hammered-finish background.

The matte black hardwood saya runs 29.92 inches and is finished with natural lacquer. White ink skull-and-floral graphics are printed along three sections of the saya surface, echoing the blade's theme without competing with it. Black sageo cord is wrapped at the kurikata, which is fitted with a gold-tone pin. The kojiri and koiguchi are clean matte black, consistent with the lacquer finish.

Total assembled length is 40.55 inches at a weight of 2.8 lb, packaged in a box measuring 42.5 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches. The koshirae-style build - real rayskin, lacquered hardwood saya, and themed alloy fittings - makes this a fully dressed presentation piece suited to wall display or shelf arrangement. Collectors building out a 1065 Katana set will find the skull-and-blue color scheme a strong visual anchor in any collection.