Shadow Dancer Reverse Edged Sakabato Katana (Advanced Version)

One look at this katana and any Rurouni Kenshin fan would instantly realize that it is inspired by the legendary sakabato forged by master swordsmith Arai Shakkū to honor the new peace the Meiji Era brings for both him and its wielder, Himura Kenshin. 

Despite being a fictional sword, the Sakabato became so famous that a real master swordsmith, Kanekuni Ogawa—who later discussed the challenges involved—was contracted to bring it to life for a special exhibition at the Meijimura museum in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. 

Like the official version, Shadow Dancer’s version of the Sakabato has a reverse edge shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade, differentially heat treated to produce a beautiful notare (undulating) hamon, accentuated through Keshō polishing. 

This katana is equipped with high quality fittings, including a brass namako sukashi tsuba, along with brass fuchi and kashira—with cherry blossoms against an ishime (stone-textured) pattern with an antique finish, a reminder of the transience of life, strength, and resilience. 

One menuki secures the full tang blade to the wooden Haichi style tsuka covered with white genuine samegawa wrapped tightly in place using silk ito. The addition of hishigami pro ensures excellent edge alignment, a solid grip, and maximum durability. 

This beautiful piece is completed by an oil lacquered saya fitted with a kojiri with the same matching cherry blossom on ishime motif, brass shitodome, and Japanese imported rayon sageo.