Folded Melaleuca Steel Tanto with Natural Hardwood Shirasaya in Yellow - Full Tang Blade

The blade of this tanto is forged from folded melaleuca steel, a layered construction that produces the flowing wave patterns visible along the flat and near the edge. Clay tempering gives the steel differential hardness - a harder edge supported by a more resilient spine - and the process leaves a genuine hamon line that traces the boundary between the two zones. At 1.26 in. wide and 0.27 in. thick, the blade carries enough geometry to display the folded layers clearly under direct light.

The handle follows the shirasaya tradition: a single piece of natural hardwood, unbound and unwrapped, shaped to fill the hand with a gently rounded profile. The wood presents a warm golden-yellow tone with pronounced grain figuring - swirling lines and subtle flame patterns that make each piece visually distinct. A full tang runs through the core, keeping the assembly solid without the need for external hardware along the grip.

A brass habaki sits at the blade's base, providing the precise collar that seats the blade securely inside the saya. Its brushed gold tone bridges the steel blade and the natural wood, adding a small but carefully considered material contrast to the otherwise monochromatic yellow and silver palette. No tsuba is fitted, which is consistent with shirasaya form and keeps the transition from blade to handle uninterrupted.

The saya is constructed from the same natural hardwood as the handle, finished to the same warm golden-yellow tone for a cohesive matched set. Real horn is used for both the koiguchi - the mouth that receives the blade - and the kojiri at the closed end. Horn is denser and more resistant to splitting than plain wood, making it a functional choice at these high-wear contact points. This tanto is a strong example of the pieces found in our Natural Wood Saya Hamidashi collection.

Overall length is 20 in. and total weight is 2 lb., with shipping weight of 3 lb. in a 24 x 2 x 2 in. package. The shirasaya format and the quality of the folded steel work make this piece well suited for collectors focused on traditional Japanese blade forms. For additional options in this format, browse the full Folded Steel Tanto range. Note: sword stand is not included.