Nishikigoi Katana | Red & Black Folded Steel Koi Theme Katana

The Nishikigoi Katana is a vibrant and powerful piece, a tribute to the ultimate Japanese symbol of strength, perseverance, and success. Its name "Nishikigoi" (錦鯉) translates to "brocaded koi," reflecting the stunning, multi-colored complexity of both the blade and its fittings. The soul of this sword is its remarkable red and black folded steel blade, forged to create flowing, organic patterns reminiscent of water. This theme is masterfully captured in the Koshirae—a full set of copper fittings featuring the iconic **"Koi Leaping the Dragon Gate"** motif on the tsuba and kashira. In a daring and beautiful color scheme, the vibrant green silk ito is wrapped over a deep crimson red genuine rayskin, and perfectly matched by a high-gloss green lacquered saya.

Why Choose the Nishikigoi Katana?

• Red & Black Folded Steel Blade: The blade is hand-forged from folded steel, revealing a unique red and black *hada* (grain pattern) that flows like water, making each sword one-of-a-kind.
• "Koi Leaping" Copper Fittings: The complete set of fittings, including the tsuba, fuchi, and kashira, are cast from copper and depict the "Nishikigoi" (Koi) leaping through waves—a powerful symbol of overcoming adversity.
• Vibrant Green & Red Koshirae: A striking and luxurious color combination. The tsuka features a vibrant green silk ito wrapped over a genuine, deep red rayskin (Samegawa).
• Gloss Green Lacquered Saya: The scabbard (saya) is crafted from hardwood and finished with a deep, high-gloss green lacquer, perfectly matching the handle's ito.

Specifications

Dimensions & Geometry

• Overall Length: 40.6" (103 cm)
• Blade Length (Nagasa): 27.9" (71 cm)
• Handle Length (Tsuka): 10.6" (27 cm)
• Curvature (Sori): 0.75" (1.9 cm)
• Blade Geometry: Shinogi-Zukuri
• Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.24" (3.15 cm)
• Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 0.91" (2.3 cm)
• Thickness at Base (Kasane): 0.30" (7.5 mm)
• Thickness at Tip (Sakikasane): 0.12" (3 mm)

Weight & Handling

Materials & Construction

• Blade Steel: Folded Steel (Damascus)
• Blade Construction: Maru, Hand-Forged, Hand-Polished
• Blade Treatment: Special Red & Black Finish
• Hardening (Yaki-ire): Through-Hardened (Overall Quenched)
• Fittings (Koshirae):
  • Guard/Fuchi/Kashira (Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira): Copper, "Nishikigoi" (Koi) Theme
  • Collar & Spacers (Habaki & Seppa): Brass
  • Handle Wrap (Ito): Green Silk
  • Rayskin (Samegawa): Genuine Red Rayskin
• Sheath (Saya): Hardwood with High-Gloss Green Lacquer
• Scabbard Cord (Sageo): Silk (Matching Green)

Features

• Tang: Full Tang with 2 Mekugi (pegs)
• Usage: Collection, Display, and Martial Arts Practice (Iaido / Tameshigiri)
• Cutting Practice: Suitable for tameshigiri on tatami mats, green bamboo, and paper.