Katana “Kuronami”

Kuronami Katana with Black 1060 Blade The black-lacquered hardwood saya of the Kuronami features a finely textured surface with a droplet-like pattern that becomes more or less pronounced depending on the light. Together with the black blade, it creates a deliberately dark overall appearance. Dark blue Japanese silk on the tsuka and sageo adds a subtle touch of colour. The flowing details of the fittings evoke the movement of water and also provide the inspiration for the katana’s name: Kuronami (黒波) – “Black Wave.” The tsuka is lined with black imitation rayskin and tightly wrapped in dark blue Japanese silk. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are made of brass, their warm metallic tones providing a deliberate contrast to the otherwise dark design. The openwork tsuba stands out in particular with its decoration of flowing wave forms. The gold-toned habaki continues the warm accents of the fittings. The hand-forged blade is made from 1060 carbon steel and features an entirely black finish. A sand polish provides an even surface and reinforces the blade’s understated appearance. Its dark finish integrates seamlessly with the colour scheme of the saya and tsuka while creating a distinct contrast with the brass fittings. The full tang is securely fixed within the tsuka by two mekugi, providing a solid construction. The Kuronami is defined above all by the interplay of its dark surfaces and tones: the black blade, textured saya and dark blue silk wrapping are complemented by warm brass fittings, giving the katana a cohesive and distinctive appearance. “The frog in the well knows nothing of the ocean.” (Japanese proverb) Features Hand-forged in the traditional Japanese style: Yes Suitable for technique training (Battodo): Yes Suitable for cutting practice (Tameshigiri): No Tsuka (handle): Hardwood wrapped in imitation rayskin Tsuba (handguard): Brass Fuchi (collar): Brass Kashira (pommel): Brass Menuki (handle ornaments): Brass Ito (handle wrap): Wrapped in Japanese silk, navy blue Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, black lacquer Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk Overall length: 103 cm / 40.5 in Blade Material: 1060 carbon steel, black Clay-tempered (genuine hamon): No Battle-ready: Yes Folded steel: No Full tang: Yes (2 mekugi) Sand-polished: Yes Sharpened with Japanese water stones: No Bo-hi (blood groove): Yes Blade length: 72 cm / 28.3 in Blade thickness: 7 mm / 0.28 in Blade width: 3.2 cm / 1.26 in Hardness: 55–58 HRC