Shadow Dancer LD Steel High Performance Tameshigiri Katana

Built for performance and serious cutting practice, this Shadow Dancer katana’s shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade is forged from LD steel, a cold-work die steel prized for its superior toughness and resistance to chips or cracks. The blade is vacuum heat treated to approximately 58-59 HRC, right below its maximum achievable hardness, allowing the blade to better absorb impact without fracturing. Mirror polished by hand, the blade’s high hardness may result in residual faint surface marks instead of the flawless mirror finish seen on other swords. An etched suguha (straight) hamon is added to maximize its visual appeal. 

This katana comes fitted with a blackened iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba, as well as brass fuchi, kashira, menuki, seppa and habaki. The fuchi and kashira depicts highly stylized leafy fronds highlighted in warm brass tones. The matching kashira also has a chrysanthemum blossom, representing longevity, renewal, and resilience. The chrysanthemum is also an Japanese Imperial Family emblem, first adopted by Emperor Go-Toba in the late 12th century as his personal crest. 

One mekugi secures the nakago to the wooden core Haichi style tsuka covered in white genuine samegawa. Synthetic silk ito is used for the tightly wrapped tsukamaki for a comfortable and secure grip. 

This piece is completed by a glossy oil lacquered saya fitted with brass shitodome and thickened sageo.