Shadow Dancer Unokubi Zukuri Tanto Sword Short Katana T10 Steel Handmade

Clean and sleek, this Shadow Dancer tanto has a unokubi zukuri (cormorant’s neck style) blade forged from T10 steel, a high carbon material comparable to1095 steel but capable of more resistance to chipping, higher hardness, and toughness. The differential heat treatment and clay tempering process it undergoes yields a beautiful gunome (waves) hamon accentuated through mirror polishing. A bohi helps decrease the tanto’s overall weight while shifting its point of balance toward the handle, resulting in improved agility and handling. 

This tanto’s maru gata (round) tsuba features a three-clawed dragon, symbolizing power, strength, wisdom, and protection. While the number of claws in Chinese dragons denote social rank, the three-clawed dragon remained as Japan’s tradition. Controlling the rains and tides, dragons serve as auspicious talismans in samurai culture. Other complementary fittings include a fuchi with floral motifs, kashira, menuki, as well as gold-toned brass seppa and habaki. 

One mekugi secures the blade’s full tang within the wooden core tsuka. The handle is then covered with black genuine samegawa while the tightly wrapped tsukamaki uses black synthetic silk ito for a durable and comfortable grip. 

This tanto comes sheathed in a brown oil-lacquered saya with thick sageo. The saya may appear darker in the photos due to the lighting.