1065 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Natural Wood Saya - Handmade, Full Tang Blade

The shirasaya is the most stripped-back form of the Japanese katana - no tsuba, no cord wrapping, no lacquer. This handmade edition in 1065 carbon steel takes that philosophy to its logical conclusion: a blade housed in natural wood from tip to pommel, with nothing between the steel and the organic material that holds it.

The 1065 carbon steel blade sits in the mid-range of the carbon content spectrum, offering a practical balance of hardness and toughness. It forges cleanly, holds a polished finish well, and provides the structural reliability that makes it a favored choice for entry-to-mid-tier collectible katana. The hand forging process gives each blade its individual character within the standardized steel composition.

What defines this piece visually is the natural wood construction. The saya and handle are crafted from hardwood with visible grain, left in their organic state without the lacquer coatings or cord wrappings that characterize most katana styles. The result is a quiet, understated presentation that lets the material itself serve as the design element.

Without the tsuba guard, the transition from blade to handle is seamless - a smooth line that runs the full 40.5-inch length. This is the traditional shirasaya silhouette, originally designed as a storage configuration for Japanese blades between periods of active use. Today it stands as a design statement in its own right, valued by collectors for its clean proportions and organic aesthetic.

Full tang construction ensures the blade steel extends through the entire handle, and at 3.2 pounds the balance point sits where traditional katana geometry places it. For collectors building a display that spans different styles, this shirasaya offers a visual counterpoint to more ornate 1065 carbon steel katana with traditional fittings.