Katana “Shitanryū”

Shitanryū Katana with Folded 1060 Steel and a Rosewood Saya The hand-forged blade of the Shitanryū is made from folded 1060 carbon steel. The folding process creates a fine, irregular steel pattern across the blade surface, giving the material its characteristic appearance. A subsequent sand polish provides an even finish and brings out the distinctive pattern of the folded steel. The tsuka is lined with faux rayskin and tightly wrapped with brown Japanese silk. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are made from brass, with their warm tones complementing the understated design of the katana. The black-and-brown sageo made from Japanese silk also blends harmoniously into this colour scheme. Decorative details throughout the fittings add subtle accents without disrupting the overall restrained appearance. One of the defining features is the rosewood saya. Its dark brown colour and natural grain remain visible along its entire length, giving each piece a slightly individual appearance. Together with the brown tones of the tsuka and the dragon-related details of the fittings, the rosewood also forms the inspiration for the katana’s name: Shitanryū (紫檀龍) – “Rosewood Dragon”. The full tang is securely fixed within the tsuka by two mekugi. The Shitanryū places particular emphasis on both natural and handcrafted material textures: the pattern of the folded 1060 carbon steel on the one hand and the individual grain of the rosewood on the other. The brown silk wrapping and warm-toned brass fittings continue this design throughout, giving the katana a harmonious and deliberately understated appearance. “Dragon and tiger, evenly matched.” (Japanese expression) 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 Saya (scabbard): Solid rosewood, 76 cm / 29.9 in Sageo (scabbard cord): Wrapped in Japanese silk Overall length: 103 cm / 40.5 in Blade Material: 1060 steel Clay-tempered (genuine hamon): No Battle-ready: Yes Folded steel: Yes 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