Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Gold Bamboo Tsuba - Black Saya, White Ito Wrap

The blade on this katana is forged from folded melaleuca steel, a layered construction that leaves a visible grain running the length of the chrome-finished surface. A real hamon traces the edge - the temper line shifting in tone against the polished flat - marking the differential hardness built into the steel during the hand-finishing process. At 40.55 inches overall and 1.259 inches at the widest point, the blade carries 2.8 lb with the balance point sitting naturally forward of the tsuba. For collectors exploring Melaleuca Steel Japanese Samurai Swords, this piece demonstrates what the material looks like in a full koshirae presentation.

The tsuka is built on a white samegawa foundation - genuine ray skin panels that give the grip its textured, non-slip surface. Over that, gray cord ito is wrapped in the traditional diamond pattern, the pale tone keeping the handle visually light against the dark saya. Small gold-tone menuki sit beneath the wrap at the palm position, adding a subtle accent without interrupting the grip geometry.

The tsuba is the most visually commanding component of this build. Cast in copper with a gold finish, the oval guard is fully covered in bamboo relief carving - the stalks and nodes rendered in layered depth across the surface. In Japanese craft tradition, bamboo represents suppleness under pressure, and the motif translates that symbolism directly into the hardware. The seppa and habaki beneath the guard match the gold tone, keeping the collar area cohesive.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in a deep black lacquer that photographs with a mirror-like sheen. A white sageo cord is tied at the koiguchi opening, and a cream-and-gold tassel hangs from the knot - the contrast between the matte black saya surface and the white cord is one of the most striking visual details on the assembled piece. This kind of folded construction katana paired with a lacquered hardwood saya represents a traditional full-mount presentation that holds up well in a wall or stand display.

At 2.8 lb total weight and shipping at 3.3 lb in a 42.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 in package, this katana arrives ready for display. The koshirae-style full mount - saya, sageo, tassel, samegawa handle, and fitted copper tsuba - makes it a complete presentation piece for anyone building a Japanese sword collection around authentic construction details and traditional aesthetics.