T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Snake Tsuba - Python Saya, Black & White Ito Wrap

The blade on this katana is forged from T10 carbon steel and ground to a hand-finished edge with a visible hamon line - the wavy temper mark that traces the differential hardening along the cutting edge. The chrome-polished surface reflects cleanly across the full 40.5-inch overall length, with a blade width of 1.26 inches and a total weight of 2.8 lbs. Full tang construction runs the steel continuously through the handle, pinned with two mekugi pegs for structural integrity. If you are exploring T10 Clay Tempered Sword options, this piece sits firmly within that tradition of hand-finished carbon steel craftsmanship.

The tsuka is built on a PU white samegawa base - a synthetic rayskin wrap that provides texture and grip foundation - then overwrapped with black cotton ito in a classic diamond (hishi) pattern. The contrast between the white underlayer flashing through the black wrap creates the signature checkered visual that runs the length of the handle.

The tsuba is the standout hardware piece here. Cast in copper with a gold-tone finish, it features a coiled snake rendered in three-dimensional relief - scales, body coils, and head detail are all legible up close. The rectangular seppa-dai with open lattice cutwork adds depth and keeps the overall assembly from feeling heavy. It is an unusually specific thematic choice that gives this katana a distinct identity among standard koshirae fittings.

The saya is constructed from hardwood core wrapped in python-print PU leather in black and white. The scale pattern runs continuously from throat to tip, and a black sageo cord is tied at the kurikata in a clean flat knot. The saya finish holds the python texture firmly and presents well against any display surface. The black-and-white contrast between saya and ito wrap creates a unified color story across the full assembly.

At 2.8 lbs and 40.55 inches overall, with packaging dimensions of 42.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches, this katana is sized for standard wall mounts or stand display. The koshirae-style fittings - snake tsuba, python saya, contrasting ito wrap - make it a natural centerpiece for collectors who want a visually distinctive piece rather than a generic replica.