T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Clay-Tempered Hamon Blade - Black Saya Dragon Tsuba

The blade is forged from T10 carbon steel and clay tempered, a process that produces a natural hamon line running along the edge. That temper line marks where the hardened cutting surface meets the more flexible spine - a defining characteristic of traditional Japanese sword construction. The full tang extends the steel through the entire handle, giving the piece structural integrity from tip to pommel.

The tsuka is built over the full tang with a foundation of real black samegawa - genuine ray skin whose raised nodules create natural grip texture beneath the hand. Black cotton ito is wound in the classic diamond pattern over the samegawa, securing four menuki ornaments at the cross points. The result is a handle that looks as deliberate as it feels in the hand.

The tsuba is cast copper finished in a gold-black two-tone palette. Its round form carries a high-relief dragon coiling through plum blossoms - the dragon rendered in rich gold against the darkened field. As part of the broader High Quality Japanese Sword category, the fitting quality here reflects careful attention to thematic consistency across every component.

The black hardwood saya is coated in a piano lacquer finish that gives it a deep, glass-like sheen. Hand-engraved gold artwork runs along the scabbard face - a phoenix or dragon motif paired with vertical kanji characters, all executed in fine gold line work against the black ground. A black sageo cord is knotted at the kurigata, completing the all-black and gold color scheme that runs through the entire mounting.

Overall dimensions measure 40.55 in in length, 1.259 in blade width, and 0.275 in blade thickness, with a total weight of 2.8 lb. Presented in full koshirae style, this T10 katana is a considered piece for collectors drawn to the dragon theme and the visual contrast of gold engraving on lacquered black hardwood. For collectors exploring related aesthetics, the Red Antique Katana Sword collection offers complementary options in antique-inspired mountings.