Shadow Dancer Tsurugi/Ken – Japan’s Double Edged Blade

The Tsurugi or ken a one of the oldest types of sword in Japan with a straight double edged blade. A famous example is the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, one of the three imperial regalia of Japan.

While Shadow Dancer's Tsurugi / Ken may not be the sword that is used in the enthronement ceremony for Japanese emperors, it is still a masterpiece that highlights the elegance and beauty of Japanese sword art.

Mounted in the shirasaya style, this Tsurugi allows one to focus on the craftsmanship of the blade forged from crucible steel and differentially heat treated to become durable, resilient, and retains its edge remarkably well. Additionally, the clay tempering process also results in a suguha (relatively straight) hamon that accentuates the overall beauty of the blade, made even more prominent through Sashikomi polishing.

One mekugi secures the blade to the tsuka fitted with a copper Yujo style habaki. The handmade shirasaya offers a clean, smooth, and seamless design, perfect for Japanese sword enthusiast who appreciates a minimalistic design.