Z-SEY Crab Koshirae Tamahagane Katana

Z-Sey's Crab Koshirae Tamahagane Katana is a unique and intricately designed piece. Its shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from tamahagane steel is differentially hardened and clay tempered to reveal an elegant suguha (straight) hamon accentuated through traditional sashikomi A++ polishing by hand. Performed using Japanese stones and oils by specialists, this meticulous method brings out maximum detail, depth, and contrast, maximizing the aesthetics of the blade. 

Aptly named, this katana features brass koshirae with ornate crab motifs, as seen in the mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki. Crabs have a special place in Japanese folklore. According to legend, the Heikegani (Heikeopsis japonica), a small crab with a shell bearing the pattern of a scowling face holds the souls of Heike (Taira) warriors who perished at the 1185 CE Battle of Dan-no-ura. Fishermen are said to release these crabs out of respect. Since crabs grow by molting repeatedly, they are auspicious creatures also associated with vitality and renewal. Other fittings include red copper seppa and habaki. 

A mekugi secures the nakago to the handmade wooden Haichi style tsuka covered in white samegawa with a large emperor node. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) are inserted beneath the tightly wrapped Japanese silk tsukamaki, adding volume and acting as anchors to ensure the grip is solid, durable, and comfortable. 

This katana comes sheathed in a kin-mushikui-nuri, 金虫喰塗鞘 (gold insect-eaten lacquer) saya, a technique that is a specialty of Aizu-nuri (Fukushima prefecture). Grains such as barley or rice husks are scattered onto thick coats of wet lacquer and removed once it dries, leaving indentations that mimic the marks insects leave in wood (mushikui). The pits are then dusted with gold, sealed, and polished flat, creating a one-of-a-kind pattern. This saya is fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, kojiri, as well as pale gold brass shitodome and Japanese silk sageo.