Shadow Dancer Nova Black and Red Kanmuriotoshi Zukuri Katana

Subtle yet formidable, this katana from Shadow Dancer’s Nova Series incorporates modern contemporary designs with the best of traditional craftsmanship, producing a sword that is prized for its precision and performance. 

Forged from 9260 spring steel which has a higher silicon content, the resulting blade has better flexibility, shock resistance, and resilience, perfect for practitioners of any level. Meanwhile, the blade’s kanmuri otoshi zukuri (translating to “crown drop-off,” referring to the distinctive tapering from the blade’s back toward the tip) style is exceptionally sharp, swift, and precise. The addition of a bohi (groove) helps decrease the sword’s overall weight, improve its point of balance, and heightens the clarity of its tachikaze. 

This stunning katana comes equipped with blackened fittings and gold accents—including the mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and kenuki—featuring floral and karakusa (twining vines) motifs, symbolizing transience of life, strength, prosperity, and vitality. Gold-tone seppa and habaki complement the katana’s overall design. 

A single mekugi secure’s the blade to the wooden core tang covered in white samegawa and tightly wrapped tsukamaki using black artificial silk tsuka ito for a durable and secure grip. 

Completing this piece is a glossy lacquered black saya with red specks and a matching artificial silk sageo.