Hand-Forged Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Phoenix Tsuba in Black Saya - Brown Cord Handle

The blade on this katana is hand-forged from folded melaleuca steel, a process that compresses and layers the steel to produce the characteristic undulating grain visible along the flat. The resulting surface carries a chrome-toned finish that catches light differently at each fold line, while the hand-finished edge terminates in a clean, refined tip. A genuine hamon line traces the boundary between edge and spine - a direct product of the differential hardening applied during forging, not an etched imitation. For collectors drawn to Melaleuca Steel Katana, this blade exemplifies what folded construction looks like at full expression.

The tsuka is built over a full-tang core and wrapped in genuine blue samegawa ray skin, which provides the textured underlayer traditional to Japanese sword handles. Over that, brown ito cord is applied in a tight tsuka-maki wrap, the diamond-shaped gaps in the braid revealing the blue samegawa beneath and creating a deliberate two-tone visual rhythm from kashira to habaki.

The tsuba is the visual centerpiece of this koshirae. Cast in a silver-gold palette with a phoenix motif rendered in raised relief, it presents gold-toned wing detail against a silver ground - a combination that reads as both ceremonial and dynamic. The fuchi and kashira fittings carry complementary metalwork that ties the handle assembly together without competing with the tsuba's detail.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in a deep black lacquer, producing a smooth, light-reflective surface that contrasts sharply with the brown sageo cord tied at the kurigata. Real horn is used for both the koiguchi at the mouth and the kojiri cap at the tip - material choices that speak to traditional construction standards. The sageo itself is braided in brown to echo the tsuka ito, giving the full mounted piece a cohesive color story across handle, cord, and scabbard. Those exploring similar Japanese Folded Steel Sword options will find this piece sits at a distinct intersection of material authenticity and visual craft.

At 40.55 inches overall and 2.8 lb, this katana presents full-length katana proportions with a blade width of 1.259 inches. The complete koshirae - phoenix tsuba, brown-wrapped tsuka, black lacquered saya with horn fittings - makes it a coherent collectible piece suited to wall display or stand presentation. Note: sword stand is not included.