Shadow Dancer 9260 Steel Wakizashi

This elegant and formidable looking wakizashi from Shadow Dancer has a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from 9260 steel, a material containing silicon to give it its prized attributes of superior flexibility and shock resistance, to the point of being described as having spring-like flexibility. Heat treated and oil quenched, the blade with an etched sanbonsugi (reminiscent of three cedar trees) hamon also has a bohi to improve overall sword performance by trimming off any excess weight and improve its point of balance. 

This wakizashi is equipped with an iron kurikomi mokko gata (lobed with inome/heart-shaped notches in the corners) tsuba with a cracked ice pattern, a reminder of natural beauty, impermanence, and renewal. Meanwhile, the blackened brass fuchi and kashira carry karakusa motifs, signifying longevity, strength, and prosperity. Other premium fittings include brass menuki, as well as gold-toned seppa and habaki. 

White genuine samegawa lines the wooden Haich style handle with tight tsukamaki using synthetic silk ito for a comfortable grip. Optional upgrades for the addition of hishigami and hishigami pro ensure that the grip is longer lasting, more solid, and allows for better edge alignment feedback. 

This piece is completed by a glossy black oil lacquered saya fitted with a brass shitodome and thickened sageo.