Shadow Dancer Luxury Horimono Sakura Koshirae Katana

This majestic katana from Shadow Dancer features a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from crucible steel, a material prized for its ability to resemble traditional tamahagane blades. 

Differentially heat treated and clay tempered, its elegant suguha (straight) hamon is made even more distinctive through traditional sashikomi+ polishing. A bohi on the blade trims off any excess weight and shifts its point of balance towards the guard, improving the sword’s responsiveness and agility.  This blade also has a horimono, 彫物 (blade engraving) which adds to the sword’s aesthetic appeal. 

Blackened brass fittings with gold-toned accents on this katana include a mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba, fuchi, and kashira with cherry blossom motifs, symbolizing renewal and the transience of life. Meanwhile, the gold-toned brass menuki has a multi-layered cherry blossom motif also known as yaezakura (八重桜). Unlike single-layered blossoms, these lush, voluminous yaezakura blossoms were often cared for meticulously in gardens of the nobility, hence, its representation of luxury and higher social status. Other koshirae are copper, including the seppa and Yujo-style habaki. 

Polished to a beautiful glossy finish, a single buffalo horn mekugi secures the blade’s full tang to the wooden Haichi-style tsuka. White genuine samegawa with a large emperor node covers the handle while Japanese silk ito is used for the tightly wrapped tsukamaki. The addition of hishigami pro beneath the wrap ensures a solid grip that is more durable.

This katana is completed by a matte black saya with horn kaeritsuno (a hook that secures into the obi to stop the scabbard from moving) and matching Japanese rayon sageo.