Shadow Dancer Muji Handachi Folded Clay Tempered Steel

A handachi (半太刀) or “half tachi” is a design that first emerged during the Muromachi period as battle tactics transitioned from mounted archers to mass infantry. Unlike a standard tachi worn edge down, the handachi is tucked into the obi (belt) with its edge up like a standard katana. 

Shadow Dancer’s Muji Handachi follows that same design. Its shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from folded steel is differentially heat treated to ensure a keen edge that retains well while also yielding a beautiful suguha (straight) hamon. Traditional sashikomi polishing further accentuates the jihada and hamon, adding to the katana’s overall appearance. 

Premium koshirae in this sword include an iron mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba and brass fuchi, kashira, menuki, seppa, and habaki. As its name implies, these fittings are plain (Muji) with the exception of the sarute (metal loop attached to the pommel cap) which has a cherry blossom set against ishime (stone-textured) background. In Japanese swords, cherry blossoms are a reminder of the transience of life, purity, and honor. 

A single mekugi secures the full tang blade to the wooden Haichi style tsuka covered in white genuine samegawa wrapped tightly using synthetic silk ito for a comfortable and secure grip. Completing this masterpiece is a stardust-patterned synthetic urushi saya with structurally reinforcing bands and kojiri, paired with thickened sageo.