Shadow Dancer Nova 9260 Steel Khaki Kanmuriotoshi – Zukuri Woman Warrior Katana

Combining fantasy-inspired designs with flawless traditional craftsmanship, this Shadow Dancer katana from their Nova series is a masterpiece with a blade forged from 9260 spring steel, a material with a higher silicon content to give it impressive resilience and shock resistance. Its kanmuriotoshi zukuri (translating to “crown drop-off,” referring to the distinctive tapering from the blade’s back toward the tip) blade and the addition of a bohi (fuller) gives it the advantage of being lightweight with superior balance, allowing for quick and agile strikes. Heat treated and oil quenched, the blade is then mirror polished for a beautiful reflective finish.

This katana is equipped with beautiful blackened  brass fittings with gold highlights. The flame motifs on the fuchi and kashira symbolize the dual purpose of fire: destruction and purification. Rooted in Buddhist iconography, flames cut through delusion to reveal truth and wisdom. Other fittings like the seppa and habaki are gold-toned to provide extra warmth and contrast to accentuate the sword’s overall appeal.

The full tang blade is secured to the wooden core Haichi-style hilt with one mekugi. For better grip and comfort, the tsuka is covered with white genuine samegawa wrapped tightly in place with synthetic silk tsuka ito. 

This katana comes sheathed in a glossy oil lacquered scabbard that features two female warriors where one holds a sword and the other, a demon’s severed head. Alloy shitodome and a thickened sageo complete the ensemble.