Shishi Shobu Zukuri Wakizashi

Shadow Dancer's Shishi Shobu Zukuri Wakizashi is a subtly sophisticated piece with a shobu zukuri (curved blade with shinogi close to the mune, but without yokote) blade forged from crucible steel and differentially heat treated to become strong and resilient while retaining its edge remarkably well. Due to the clay tempering process, the blade also has a suguha (relatively straight) hamon accentuated through Sashikomi polishing.

As its name implies, the koshirae for this wakizashi has a shishi (lion) motif, symbolizing courage, protection, success, and strength. The high quality fittings include the iron tsuba; cupronickel fuchi, kashira, and menuki with an antique finish, brass seppa, and Yujo style copper habaki.

One mekugi secures the blade to the wooden Haichi style tsuka covered in white samegawa and wrapped in Japanese imported kapok tsuka ito. The blade is sheathed in a saya with high hardness piano paint and gives the appearance of a starry night. The scabbard is also fitted with cupronickel shitodome with an antique finish.