T10 Carbon Steel Tanto with Dragon Tsuba in Black-Gold and Brown Tsuka Wrap

The blade on this tanto is forged from T10 carbon steel and clay-tempered, a process that creates the wavy hamon line visible along the length of the polished chrome surface. The tempering hardens the edge while leaving the spine more flexible, resulting in a hand-finished blade that carries real structural character rather than purely cosmetic appeal. At 21.65 inches overall and 1.26 inches at the widest point, the proportions stay true to the compact tanto form. Explore more options in our T10 Carbon Steel Tanto collection.

The tsuka is wrapped in brown cotton cord ito over a black PU samegawa base, following the traditional diamond-pattern binding that distributes hand pressure evenly. The brown tone is warm and earthy, standing out clearly against the black fittings above and below.

The tsuba is where the design makes its most distinctive statement. Cast in black iron with a pierced circular frame, it carries a gold dragon rendered in relief across the center - a black-gold contrast that reads as both refined and bold. The black habaki and fuchi collar tie the metal tones together cleanly at the blade collar and handle collar.

The saya is constructed from hardwood finished in black lacquer, then printed across its full length with gold Japanese kanji characters. The script runs in vertical columns against the dark ground, giving the scabbard a manuscript-like quality. A two-tone sageo cord in brown and blue is knotted at the kurigata, adding a layered color detail that echoes both the tsuka and the kanji gold. This piece is also featured among our Brown Saya Tanto selections.

At 1.98 lbs and shipping in a 23 x 3 x 3-inch package, this tanto is sized and weighted for shelf or wall display. The koshirae-style fittings - dragon tsuba, kanji saya, layered sageo - make it a strong standalone piece for collectors focused on traditional Japanese sword aesthetics.