Shadow Dancer Nova Flaming Katana – 9260 Spring Steel with Bo-hi

Unique and stately, Shadow Dancer’s Gold Chrysanthemum katana from their Nova Series unites modern designs with flawless traditional craftsmanship.

Its shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length) blade forged from 9260 spring steel has exceptional flexibility, resilience, and shock resistance, perfect for any collector or practitioner regardless of their level of experience. For enhanced performance, the blade has a single bohi that decreases the sword’s overall weight and improves the point of balance. The heat treated and oil quenched blade is mirror polished for a smooth and reflective finish.

As its name implies, this katana has blackened brass fittings with gold highlights featuring intricate kiku (chrysanthemum) motifs, as seen on the maru gata (round) tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki. The imperial emblem of Japan, the chrysanthemum was first adopted by Emperor Go-Toba as his personal emblem during his reign in the late 12th century. In the 13th century as a retired emperor and passionate swordsmith, he summoned skilled smiths to forge blades, marking finished swords with the chrysanthemum crest. Blooming in late autumn and hardy against the cold, it is a symbol for longevity and resilience. Brass seppa and habaki complement the design.

One mekugi secures the blade’s tang to the wooden core Haichi style hilt, first covered with white genuine samegawa, then wrapped tightly with black synthetic silk ito for a secure and comfortable grip. 

This beautiful piece is completed by a glossy lacquered saya in black and gold, paired with alloy shitodome and a thickened sageo, evoking late autumn vibes with falling leaves of gold.