Shadow Dancer Aiguchi Shobu Wakizashi

Vivid and striking, this Shadow Dancer wakizashi features a shobu zukuri (ridge line runs all the way to the tip without a distinct tip section) blade forged from tamahagane steel. The differential heat treatment and clay tempering process yields a beautiful suguha (straight) hamon which maximizes the blade’s visual appeal. 

As its name implies, this wakizashi is mounted in the Aiguchi style, a name translating to “matching mouth” as the fuchi meets the koiguchi when the blade is sheathed. Originating during the Kamakura to Muromachi periods, this style was used for personal defense weapons as the absence of a handguard allowed the weapon to be drawn quickly without catching on armor or clothing. During the peaceful Edo period, it was used for indoor defense blades for samurai, upper-class women (known as kaiken), and others who were not permitted to wear full-sized swords. 

One mekugi secures the blade between the wooden core tsuka covered in white genuine samegawa. Completing this piece is a bright crimson glossy scabbard with dappled black and gold patterns, providing rich contrast and a luxurious feel.