Shadow Dancer Silver Waves Katateuchi – One Handed Katana Sword

Katate-Uchi swords were an early type of Japanese katana designed for one-handed use. They actually predated the more standard katanas we recognize today, though the two styles eventually coexisted.

These blades were especially useful in tight, close-range fighting—where a full two-handed grip wasn’t always practical. During the peaceful Edo Period, the smaller wakizashi often felt too short, while the Katate-Uchi offered that perfect balance between compactness and reach.

The Silver Waves Katate-Uchi is a fully functional, traditionally built replica. The blade is hand-forged and folded, just like historical Japanese swords, producing visible hada (grain pattern) across the steel. It has a real clay-tempered edge that reveals a clean, straight suguha hamon, a subtle visual line that also signals the hardened cutting edge. A bohi groove runs along the blade, reducing its weight and amplifying the tachikaze—the sharp whistle you hear when a perfect cut is made.

The handle is wrapped in real silk using the katate-maki style—also known as battle-wrap—for extra grip and control. The fittings, both on the tsuka and scabbard, are decorated with the Japanese wave motif, symbolizing unbreakable resilience—like the great waves that famously destroyed Mongol invasion fleets.

The scabbard is made from wood, finished with a polished gloss and dotted with subtle sparkles to catch the light. It includes a sageo cord for tying to the belt or presenting properly.