Shadow Dancer Katana Hira Nami Koshirae (Hand-made Tsuba)

This captivatingly exquisite Shadow Dancer katana is a unique piece, featuring a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from upgraded folded steel and differentially heat treated to produce a sharp and hard edge white retaining more flexibility in its spine. The blade is then Sashikomi polished to accentuate the gorgeous jihada and suguha (straight hamon). 

As implied by its name, this katana is fitted with premium koshirae with nami (wave) motifs. This includes a hand-carved iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba along with cupronickel fuchi, kashira, and menuki. Beyond representing strength, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome adversity, nami motifs carry deep cultural significance rooted in Shinto beliefs and Japan’s deep historical relationship with the ocean. Additional mountings are copper-toned seppa and fully hand carved yasurime style habaki. 

The full tang blade is pinned to the wooden halves of the Haichi style tsuka with one mekugi, covered with white samegawa. Japanese imported blue silk ito wraps everything tightly in place, offering a secure and durable grip. 

A glossy lacquered saya with horn fittings and synthetic silk sageo from Japan completes this masterpiece.