Ryū Tsuchime Katana | 1060 Folded Steel Tsuchime Spine Dragon Theme Katana

The Ryū Tsuchime Katana is a masterwork of texture and raw power, a blade that feels both ancient and untamed. Its name is its identity: "Ryū" for the dominating **dragon theme** that defines its fittings, and "Tsuchime" for its most profound secret—a rare, **hammer-marked spine (Mune)**. This Tsuchime finish, typically found on a blade's flat, has been applied to the spine to create a rugged, rock-like texture that evokes a dragon's scaled back. This raw, tactile power is contrasted by the blade's elegant **1060 folded steel (1024 layers)**, showing a fluid *hada* (grain). From the iron dragon tsuba to the copper dragon kashira, this sword is a piece of tactile artistry.

Why Choose the Ryū Tsuchime Katana?

• Unique Tsuchime (Hammered) Spine: The blade's most distinguishing feature. The *Mune* (spine) is hand-hammered in the *Tsuchime* style, creating a rugged, rock-like texture that is both visually stunning and unique to the touch.
• 1060 Folded Steel Blade: The blade is forged from 1060 high-carbon steel, folded 10 times to produce 1024 layers. This process creates a beautiful, visible *hada* (grain) and a strong, resilient blade.
• Full Dragon Koshirae: The fittings (Koshirae) are a complete, cohesive dragon theme, from the iron *Ryū* (dragon) tsuba to the intricately detailed copper dragon *Kashira* (buttcap).
• Through-Hardened Durability: The folded steel blade is through-hardened (overall quenched), ensuring a consistent hardness and durability suitable for practice.

Specifications

Dimensions & Geometry

• Overall Length: 40.9" (104 cm)
• Blade Length (Nagasa): 27.8" (70.5 cm)
• Handle Length (Tsuka): 10.6" (27 cm)
• Blade Geometry: Shinogi-Zukuri
• Tip (Kissaki): Chu-Kissaki
• Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.26" (3.20 cm)
• Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 0.91" (2.30 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.): (Not provided in specs)

Materials & Construction

• Blade Steel: 1060 Folded Carbon Steel (1024 layers)
• Blade Construction: Maru, Hand-Forged, Hand-Polished
• Hardening (Yaki-ire): Through-Hardened (Overall Quenched)
• Spine (Mune): Tsuchime (Hammer-Marked) Finish
• Fittings (Koshirae):
  • Guard (Tsuba): Iron, Dragon Theme
  • Fuchi/Kashira: Copper, Dragon Theme
  • Menuki (Ornaments): Copper
  • Collar & Spacers (Habaki & Seppa): Brass
  • Handle Wrap (Ito): Black Silk
  • Rayskin (Samegawa): Genuine Black Rayskin
• Sheath (Saya): Hardwood (Natural Finish)
• Scabbard Cord (Sageo): Silk

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.