Shadow Dancer Sankoken Horimono Katana

This Shadow Dancer katana is named after its sanko (三鈷) horimono, a three-pronged vajra and a Bonji character representing Fudo Myoo, a protective wrathful deity who stands firm and cuts through evil and delusion. Its shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade is forged from crucible steel, differentially heat treated, clay tempered, and traditionally sashikomi polished to reveal its beautiful jihada and suguha (straight) hamon. 

Equipped are premium koshirae such as an iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba, silver seppa, and cupronickel habaki. The cupronickel fuchi and kashira along with a brass menuki feature bamboo motifs. The nature of bamboo to grow straight reflects the need for integrity and honor. Meanwhile, its ability to bend without breaking represents adaptability, resilience, and flexibility. 

One mekugi secures the blade to the hilt. White genuine samegawa is then used to cover the wooden Haichi style tsuka while the tightly wrapped tsukamaki uses nubuck ito in a shade which evokes the ambience of a bamboo forest. Hishigami pro (folded paper wedges) additions beneath the wrap help prevent the ito from shifting and fraying, providing a more solid and longer lasting grip. 

This piece is completed by a black glossy oil lacquered saya fitted with cupronickel shitodome and matching Japanese rayon sageo.