Shirasaya Tamahagane O-Kissaki Katana

The term shirasaya, translates to "white scabbard", describing the minimalistic design of the traditional sword mount. Unlike the elaborate scabbards and hilts of a standard katana, the shirasaya's unadorned appearance is striking in its own way, highlighting that in simplicity lies beauty.

Designed to store a blade long-term, its scabbard offers a tighter fit to protect the blade from moisture and corrosion. Additionally, the shirasaya had great cultural significance to the samurai as it is seen as a symbol of discipline and humility.

Like its ancient peers, Shadow Dancer's Shirasaya Tamahagane O-Kissaki Katana is a timeless piece that celebrates the beauty of a Japanese blade. This masterpiece has a shinogi zukuri (curved with yokote and shinogi close to the mune) blade forged from Japanese tamahagane steel. This steel is forged using a traditional Japanese method of firing iron sands in a clay kiln to create steel blooms which are then folded to be further refined.

The blade then undergoes differential heat treatment to produce a hardened edge while its spine remains flexible. This process also produces a beautiful toranba (large waves) hamon accentuated through Sashikomi polishing.

As the name of this katana implies, it has an o-kissaki, meaning a larger blade tip or point. This style was mainly seen in blades from the Nanbokucho, Keicho-Shinto, and Shinshinto eras.

Due to being a shirasaya katana, the only fitting present is a handmade copper Yujo style habaki, accentuated with file marks along its base. The full tang blade is secured to the tsuka with a mekugi.