Damascus Steel Katana with Koi Tsuba in Black Lacquer Saya - Brown Cord Handle, Wave-Engraved Blade

The blade is the defining element of this katana replica, forged from folded Damascus steel that produces a flowing, wave-like surface pattern across its 40.55-inch full-tang construction. Each Damascus billet yields a slightly different layered grain, meaning no two blades share an identical visual texture. A visible hamon line traces the edge length, adding the classic contrast between the hardened edge zone and the softer spine - a hallmark of traditional Japanese sword aesthetics. The chrome finish on the nagasa allows the Damascus pattern to read clearly under light, making it as much a visual object as a functional replica.

The tsuka is built on a hardwood core wrapped in genuine white samegawa - real ray skin that creates the raised, pebbly underlay essential to a proper Japanese handle. Over this, brown cotton cord is woven in a tight diamond-pattern tsuka-ito that sits flush between each samegawa node. The result is a grip that feels structured and intentional in hand, with the ivory-toned skin diamonds peeking through the dark cord at each wrap intersection. A silver-tone menuki detail is set beneath the cord for traditional alignment reference.

The tsuba is one of the most visually distinctive components on this build. Cast in blackened metal with a cream-toned seppa on the blade side, it carries a detailed koi fish relief carving - scales, fins, and flowing water rendered in the surface. A copper-toned habaki collar seats the blade into the tsuba assembly, adding a warm metallic contrast against the darker guard face. The koi theme connects to classical Japanese symbolism, making this guard a deliberate design choice rather than a generic accent. Collectors looking to explore Authentic Folded Steel Katana designs will recognize this level of fittings detail as characteristic of koshirae-style presentation.

The saya is crafted from hardwood and finished in hand-painted black natural lacquer - a smooth, even coat that gives the scabbard a polished, slightly reflective surface. A brown sageo cord is knotted at the koiguchi opening in a traditional style, terminating with a single amber-toned bead that catches light against the dark saya body. The lacquered wood construction keeps the scabbard rigid and protective, while the brown cord-and-amber bead combination echoes the tsuka color palette for a cohesive look across the full assembly. Those exploring the broader range of 1000 Layer Folded Japanese Samurai Swords will find this saya finish consistent with higher-tier koshirae presentation.

Overall length is 40.55 in, blade width 1.259 in, blade spine height 0.275 in, and total weight 2.8 lb. The koshirae-style presentation - matching brown tsuka-ito, brown sageo, black saya, and koi tsuba - makes this a cohesive collectible replica suited for wall display, themed collection builds, or gifting to enthusiasts of Japanese sword craft.