Damascus Steel Katana with Dark Red Blade, Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Koshirae

The blade on this katana is forged from folded Damascus steel, finished in a deep dark red tone that shifts with the light to reveal the layered grain patterns beneath the surface. A dragon engraving runs along the flat of the blade, etched into the steel with enough detail to read clearly against the dark finish. At 40.5 inches overall with a 1.26-inch blade width and 0.275-inch spine thickness, the proportions follow full-size katana geometry. If you are drawn to Folded Steel Katana Sword designs, the Damascus layering here delivers that visual depth in a dark, distinctive palette.

The tsuka is wrapped in dark navy ito over black same, using a traditional diamond-pattern braid. Gold menuki accents are set into the wrap at regular intervals, catching light between the cord crossings. The handle is firm and even in hand, with the full tang running the full interior length for structural balance.

The tsuba is cast in a gold-tone finish with a high-relief dragon motif that fills the oval face. The dragon detail is sculpted with clear definition - scales, claws, and flowing form all readable without magnification. Set against the dark blade and black fittings, the gold tsuba serves as the visual focal point of the entire koshirae. For collectors interested in Blue Printed Blade Katana styles, this piece offers a darker, more dramatic alternative with the same attention to blade surface design.

The saya is constructed from hardwood finished in black lacquer, smooth and even along its full length. A black sageo cord is tied at the kurikata with a traditional knot, adding a hanging tassel detail at the kashira end. The fit between blade and saya is snug, with no rattle when inverted.

At 3.17 lbs with a shipping weight of 4.4 lbs, this katana is substantial without being unwieldy. The overall package measures 43.3 x 3.93 x 3.14 inches. The all-black koshirae anchored by the gold dragon tsuba and dark red Damascus blade makes this a cohesive, visually arresting piece for serious display collections.