Shadow Dancer Kinriko Mitsudomoe Koshirae Katana with Kogai

The Japanese katana is one of the most iconic and revered symbols of Japan. It was never just a weapon—it represented culture, class, discipline, and the very soul of the samurai. Forged through a demanding and almost spiritual process, the katana earned its legendary status through both its deadly efficiency and the sheer artistry behind its creation.

The Kinriko Mitsudomoe Koshirae Katana is a faithful replica made using the same materials and methods used in traditional Japanese swordsmithing.

Kinriko refers to a golden style of swords once reserved for the nobility—gold not just in color, but in symbolism. In the samurai world, gold-toned blades were seen as marks of prestige. Mitsudomoe is the triple-comma motif carved into the fittings—an ancient symbol that represents the balance and eternal struggle between heaven, earth, and humanity. Koshirae means “fittings,” referring to every individual piece that brings the sword together. Believe it or not, the entire structure is held by a single bamboo mekugi peg inside the handle—just as it was done for centuries.

The blade itself is made from real tamahagane steel, the same material used in historical Japanese swords. It’s hand-forged and folded in the traditional way, then clay-tempered to create a genuine hamon—an undulating temper line that not only looks stunning but also hardens the edge for better cutting performance. This version doesn’t have a bohi groove, which gives it more weight and impact when cutting through targets like tatami mats or water bottles. The blade is brought to life with a Sashikomi A++ polish—a long process that takes months to complete and delivers unmatched visual depth and definition in the steel.

The handle is made in the jabara-maki style, using real silk tightly wrapped over authentic antique rayskin, complete with prominent emperor nodes near the kashira (pommel). All fittings are crafted from brass and decorated with the Kinriko Mitsudomoe motif.

The scabbard is fitted with real horn at key contact points—a traditional material used by samurai for its lightweight strength. It’s polished to a gleaming, golden shine that catches the light beautifully.

It also includes a kogai, a traditional hairpin tool that samurai used to secure their hair or tuck it under their eboshi headgear—an uncommon and striking detail that adds even more character to the set.