Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Dragon-Embossed Black Saya - Brown Ito, Chrysanthemum Tsuba

The blade on this katana is forged from folded melaleuca steel, a layered construction that produces the characteristic wave-grain patterns visible along the flat. A genuine hamon line traces the edge, the result of differential heat treatment during the finishing process. The hand-finished edge and full tang design give the blade both visual character and structural stability from tip to pommel. Collectors who appreciate Folded Steel Sword construction will recognize the craftsmanship immediately in the blade's surface texture.

The tsuka is built over a full tang core and wrapped in a traditional diamond-pattern ito using brown cotton cord. Beneath the wrap, genuine black samegawa (ray skin) provides grip texture through the cord gaps. The contrast between the dark samegawa and the warm brown ito gives the handle a layered, refined look that reads clearly even at a distance.

The tsuba is a standout element - a chrysanthemum flower motif rendered in a silver-and-gold two-tone finish. Petals radiate outward from a gilded center in fine cast detail, with the silver outer ring framing the design cleanly. Matching silver fittings at the habaki and collar tie the metalwork together across the full koshirae assembly.

The saya is lacquered black hardwood featuring a hand-embossed dragon relief that runs along the face of the scabbard. The dragon is finished in deep red-orange and black, creating strong color contrast against the gloss black ground. A brown sageo cord is knotted at the kurigata, echoing the ito color and completing the cohesive brown-and-black palette across the full piece. This dragon-carved saya is closely matched to the aesthetic of Orange Saya Katana designs favored by collectors who prioritize bold saya artwork.

Overall length is 41 inches with a blade width of 1.259 inches and a total weight of 3 lb. Packaged at 43 x 4 x 4 inches with a 4 lb shipping weight. Sword stand not included. This is a koshirae-style replica intended for collection and display.