Shadow Dancer Nova Red Fantasy Katana 1095 Clay Tempered with Gunome Hamon

Luxurious with a whimsical flair, this katana from Shadow Dancer’s Nova Series blends fantasy-inspired design with craftsmanship of the highest standard.

Forged from 1095 carbon steel, the hira zukuri (flat and ridgeless) blade has a sleek cutting profile prized for delivering precise, fluid strikes and a smooth draw. The blade’s differential heat treatment not only produces a hard, sharp edge, but also creates a stunning gunome (wave-like) hamon that adds a refined visual character to the blade.

The tsuba is finished in a muted silver-gray tone and features an elegant openwork floral motif, adding a clean decorative touch without overpowering the overall design. A single mekugi secures the blade’s full tang to the wooden core tsuka, covered in black samegawa and wrapped with tightly done tsukamaki using red artificial silk tsuka ito.

Completing the build is a dark crimson saya with subtle black speckling throughout, giving it depth and a textured, slightly stone-like look rather than a flat gloss. A matching artificial silk sageo is included.