Shadow Dancer Sakura Koshirae Katana (Crucible Steel)

Reminiscent of the beauty of spring and summer, this vibrant Shadow Dancer katana has a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from crucible steel, a material prized not only for its superior edge retention and shock absorption, but also its breathtaking visual appeal. The differential heat treatment process also yields a beautiful suguha (straight) hamon enhanced through traditional Sashikomi polishing. 

This katana comes with premium koshirae—including a cupronickel mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and blackened brass menuki—with intricate sakura motifs, a reminder of the transience of life, beauty of nature, new beginnings, and honor. Other fittings include silver-plated brass seppa and a copper-toned habaki. 

Following tradition, a single mekugi secures the full tang blade to the wooden Haichi-style tsuka covered with white samegawa wrapped tightly in place using kapok (silk-cotton) tsuka ito. The addition of hishigami pro (folded paper wedges) prevents the ito from shifting, providing a more comfortable and secure grip.

This katana comes sheathed in a glossy black lacquered saya with horn fittings and a thickened sageo.