Azure Dragon | Folded Steel "Dragon Scale" Tsuchime Katana

A masterpiece of controlled chaos, the Azure Dragon Katana is a symphony of texture and color. Its soul is the folded steel blade, where a master smith, using a special hammer, meticulously creates the ferocious Dragon Scale (Tsuchime) pattern by hand before the quench. The ornate saya is a work of patience, born from the Kawari-nuri technique of layering and polishing lacquer over months to reveal its chaotic, lightning-like pattern.

Why Choose the Azure Dragon?

• Dual-Texture "Dragon Scale" Blade: This is the sword's soul. A master smith hand-hammers the iconic Dragon Scale (Tsuchime) pattern onto the folded steel blade before it's quenched, ensuring each mark is a testament to skill. This creates a stunning visual of controlled power and intricate craftsmanship.
• Ornate Kawari-nuri Lacquered Saya: A masterpiece of Japanese lacquer art. The unique, fiery pattern is achieved through the complex Kawari-nuri process, where dozens of layers of colored lacquer are meticulously applied and polished down over months to reveal a deep, swirling design unique to your sword.
• Unique Two-Tone Silk Ito: The handle wrap is crafted from high-quality blue and white silk ito, woven to create a striking alternating pattern. This not only provides a secure grip but also adds to the sword's unique and memorable aesthetic.
• Proven Folded Steel Construction: At its core, the blade is hand-forged from AISI 1060 high-carbon steel, folded 10 times to create 1024 layers. This process provides the superior strength, flexibility, and resilience that folded steel blades are renowned for.

Specifications

Dimensions & Geometry

• Overall Length: 40.9" (104 cm)
• Blade Length (Nagasa): 27.8" (70.5 cm)
• Handle Length (Tsuka): 10.6" (27 cm)
• Curvature (Sori): 1.9cm
• Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.26" (3.2 cm)
• Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 0.91" (2.3 cm)
• Thickness at Base (Kasane): 0.27" (0.68 cm) 
• Thickness at Tip (Sakikasane): 0.14" (0.35 cm)

Weight & Handling

• Total Weight: 2.71 lbs (1.23 kg)
• Weight without Sheath: 2.22 lbs (1.01 kg)
• Point of Balance (P.O.B.): 4.72" (12 cm)

Materials & Construction

• Blade Steel: Folded Steel (AISI 1060 High-Carbon, 10 Folds, 1024 Layers) with Tsuchime texture
• Blade Construction: Maru (Monosteel), Hand-Forged, Hand-Polished
• Blade Geometry: Shinogi-Zukuri, Chu-Kissaki
• Fittings (Koshirae):
  • Guard (Tsuba): Fine Finished Iron
  • Collar (Habaki): Brass
  • Spacers (Seppa): Brass
  • Hilt Cap/Pommel (Kashira): Alloy
  • Hilt Collar (Fuchi): Alloy
  • Ornaments (Menuki): Copper
  • Handle Wrap (Ito): Blue & White Silk
  • Rayskin (Samegawa): White Genuine Rayskin
• Sheath (Saya): Hardwood with Kawari-nuri style lacquer finish

Features

• Sharpness: Sharpened / Battle-Ready
• Tang: Full Tang with 2 Mekugi (pegs)
• Included: Silk Sword Bag
• Condition: Brand New (Wooden stand not included)