Dark Wood Shirasaya Katana

Dark Wood Shirasaya Katana – Decorative Sword by Marto

Sleek Design and Hidden Blade

This katana is crafted in the Shirasaya style (literally "white scabbard," though here in a sophisticated dark finish). Both the handle (tsuka) and scabbard (saya) are made of high-quality dark wood with a smooth finish. Due to the absence of a guard (tsuba) and the seamless transition between the hilt and the scabbard, the sword appears as a solid, elegant wooden staff. This understated look contrasts beautifully with the copper-toned fittings near the blade collar (habaki), which bear the manufacturer's mark.

The blade is forged from X30Cr13 stainless steel (AISI 420) and hardened to 48–52 HRC. Although this is a decorative steel, Marto has ensured it looks the part. You will find a Hamon line on the edge. To be transparent, this line is not created by traditional clay tempering but is mechanically produced. However, the result is highly aesthetic and gives the blade the soul of a true samurai sword.

Historical Context: The Purpose of Shirasaya

Historically, in feudal Japan, the Shirasaya was not designed for combat. It was a specialized mounting meant for the long-term storage of a blade. Standard battle mountings (Koshirae) were often lacquered and sealed, which could trap moisture and cause the precious steel to rust. The wooden Shirasaya allowed the blade to "breathe." Later, particularly when carrying swords was restricted, this style gained popularity as a "hidden sword" that attracted little attention in public. This concept was immortalized in pop culture by characters like the blind swordsman Zatoichi.

Usage and Safety Warning

It is crucial to understand that this katana is strictly a decorative item.

• Not for Combat: The stainless steel blade is hard and rust-resistant, but more brittle than high-carbon spring steel. It may snap under impact.
• Not for Cutting Tests (Tameshigiri): The handle construction lacks a guard and is not reinforced for the physical shock of striking targets.
• Safety: The lack of a handguard (tsuba) poses a significant risk of your hand slipping onto the sharp edge during a draw.

This sword is designed to be admired on your wall or displayed on a stand (stand not included).

Care Instructions

Thanks to the stainless steel, maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe the blade occasionally with a dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Do not expose the wooden parts to direct sunlight or high humidity to prevent the wood from warping. You can use a high-quality furniture wax to maintain the wood's lustre.

Specifications