T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Wave-Engraved Blade, Leaf Tsuba in Black Hardwood Lacquer Saya

The blade is forged from T10 carbon steel and runs full tang through the handle, producing a hamon temper line that traces the length of the edge in a natural, irregular wave. A wave engraving is worked into the flat of the blade, adding visual depth without interrupting the clean geometry of the grind. The steel takes a fine hand-finished edge and holds it well, reflecting the carbon content T10 is known for among collectors who prioritize visible forge character.

The handle begins with a foundation of real white samegawa - genuine stingray skin that wraps the tsuka core and provides both texture and grip beneath the black cord ito. The ito is tightly wound in a traditional diamond pattern, exposing the samegawa at each opening. Copper menuki nestle beneath the wrapping, following the koshirae style that defines this piece. The black cord and white skin create a high-contrast grip that reads clearly from a distance.

The tsuba is cast copper and shaped to represent a lotus leaf - a form with deep roots in Japanese iconography tied to purity and impermanence. Brown-gold tones across the surface are enhanced with gold and silver gilding detail, giving the guard a layered, aged richness. The organic silhouette and hand-worked finish make it a strong visual anchor between blade and handle.

The saya is built from hardwood and finished in multiple coats of premium natural lacquer, resulting in a deep black gloss that shows no grain - only the smooth, reflective surface of a well-lacquered scabbard. The koiguchi and kojiri are fashioned from real horn, reinforcing the points of greatest wear. The upper portion of the saya is wrapped in pearl rayskin, softening the transition and adding a refined tactile detail. A black sageo cord completes the mounting. For collectors interested in exploring other saya finishes and rayskin treatments, the Green Rayskin Saya Katana collection offers a different color direction within the same construction approach.

Overall length is 40.5 in, blade width 1.26 in, blade thickness 0.275 in, and total weight 2.88 lb. The piece is presented in koshirae style - a fully mounted configuration with matched fittings across tsuba, handle, and saya. It is suited for collectors focused on traditional Japanese sword aesthetics, forge-character blades, and detailed fittings work. Note: a sword stand is not included.