Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Dark Red Lacquered Saya and Gold Geometric Tsuba

The blade on this shirasaya katana is forged from damascus steel, with the folded layering pattern flowing visibly across the polished chrome surface. A natural hamon line traces the edge, the result of hand-finishing work carried out by experienced swordsmiths drawing on centuries of Japanese blade craft. At 40.5 inches overall and 1.26 inches at the widest point of the blade, it carries 2.91 lbs with a balance that reads immediately in hand. This piece is part of the broader Shirasaya Samurai Katana tradition - swords defined by minimal ornamentation and an emphasis on the blade itself.

The tsuka is wrapped in black and shaped to the classic shirasaya silhouette, with copper mekugi pins locking the full tang firmly in place. There is no excess movement between handle and blade - the fit is deliberate and tight, as it should be on a piece built to last in a collection.

At the transition point between tsuka and blade sits a gold-tone alloy tsuba with an open geometric lattice pattern. The cut-through design catches light differently depending on angle, and the warm gold tone creates a clean visual break against the surrounding black fittings.

The saya is lacquered hardwood in a deep dark red - closer to a dark burgundy in low light, with a smooth finish that reflects without being glossy. Real horn fittings at the koiguchi and kojiri complete the saya's construction, providing clean contact points for drawing and seating the blade. Each piece is individually handmade, so minor variations in the damascus pattern and finish are part of what makes each sword its own.

For collectors drawn to the understated lines of the shirasaya form, this katana delivers material quality and visual depth without relying on elaborate surface decoration. Sword stand not included.