Katana “Kachimushi”

Kachimushi Katana with Folded T10 Steel and Dragonfly Saya Samurai called the dragonfly kachimushi, the victory insect, because it only ever flies forward and never retreats. That symbolism runs through every part of this sword, which carries the name Kachimushi (勝虫, Victory Insect). The black lacquered hardwood saya is decorated with hand-painted dragonflies in green, yellow and violet that seem to hover on the glossy surface. The fittings pick up the same theme: finely worked dragonflies with gold and silver accents sit on the brass fuchi and kashira, while matching menuki peek through the tight black silk wrap of the handle. The blade is forged from folded T10 steel, and the folding pattern is clearly visible across its surface. Traditional clay tempering produced a genuine, wave-shaped hamon that separates the hardened edge from the softer spine. With a 71 cm / 28 in blade, 7 mm / 0.28 in thickness and a hardness of 55 to 58 HRC, this sword is built for real cutting work, not just display. The full tang is secured with two mekugi, and the handle core is lined with genuine rayskin under the silk wrap. For a mid-range katana, it delivers an unusually complete package of symbolism, craftsmanship and function. “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” – Miyamoto Musashi Features Hand-forged in the traditional Japanese style: Yes Suitable for technique training (Battodo): Yes Suitable for cutting practice (Tameshigiri): Yes Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in genuine rayskin Tsuba (handguard): Brass with gold and silver Fuchi (collar): Brass with gold and silver Kashira (pommel): Brass with gold and silver Menuki (handle ornaments): Dragonfly motif, silver and gold tones Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped in Japanese silk Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, black lacquered with dragonfly artwork Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk Overall length: 103 cm / 40.5 in Blade Material: Folded T10 steel Clay-tempered (genuine hamon): Yes Battle-ready: Yes Folded steel: Yes Full tang: Yes (2 mekugi) Sand-polished: Yes Sharpened with Japanese water stones: No Bo-hi (blood groove): No Blade length: 71 cm / 28 in Blade thickness: 7 mm / 0.28 in Blade width: 3.2 cm / 1.26 in Hardness: 55–58 HRC