Damascus Steel Katana with Wave Tsuba - Red Ito, Black Lacquer Saya, Bronze Fittings

The blade of this katana is forged from folded damascus steel, producing a layered grain pattern that runs continuously from the kissaki to the habaki. Wave engravings are hand-finished into the flat of the nagasa, adding a second layer of visual texture alongside the natural grain of the folded steel. A hamon line - formed during heat treatment - traces the edge of the blade in a gentle undulating profile, separating the hardened edge zone from the body of the blade. The chrome-polished finish brings out both the hamon and the damascus patterning with high contrast against the dark background. For collectors interested in the full range of Damascus Long Sword options, this piece represents one of the more visually detailed configurations available.

The tsuka is built on a full tang core that runs the complete length of the handle. Red same (rayskin) wraps the wooden tsuka core beneath the ito, providing grip texture and structural backing. Deep crimson silk ito is wound tightly over the same in a classic diagonal lozenge pattern, with the wraps seated evenly and the menuki visible at the correct intervals beneath the binding. The fuchi and kashira are cast in bronze, matching the overall warm metallic tone of the fittings.

The tsuba is one of the most detailed elements of this koshirae. Cast in bronze, both faces carry a deeply carved wave motif - cresting waves rendered in relief with fine line work in the troughs. The patinated bronze finish gives the surface an aged, warm tone that contrasts well with the red ito and the black saya. The hitsu-ana is cleanly finished, and the fit between tsuba and habaki is tight.

The saya is shaped from hardwood and finished in multiple layers of black lacquer, producing a smooth, high-gloss surface. The koiguchi and kojiri are fitted with real horn pieces, which provide durability at the two highest-wear points of the scabbard. The sageo is a braided two-tone cord in black and red - the color pairing echoes the red ito and black saya, tying the presentation together. The sageo is long enough to tie in a conventional knot at the kurigata. Those drawn to the red-and-black color scheme may also want to browse the Red Carbon Steel Katana collection for comparison.

At 40.5 inches overall with a blade width of 1.26 inches and a total weight of 3.17 lb, this katana is proportioned within the range of a standard uchigatana koshirae. The balance point sits forward of the tsuba, which is typical for a sword of this nagasa length. The complete set - blade, tsuka, tsuba, and saya - is presented as a unified koshirae with matching bronze fittings and a consistent red-and-black palette throughout.