WW2 Shin Gunto Type 98 Katana - Blue Blade in Silver Engraved Saya with Chrysanthemum Tsuba

The blade on this Type 98 Shin Gunto replica is forged from manganese steel and finished in a deep blue tone that runs the full 28.3-inch nagasa. A jagged, wave-form hamon line traces the edge, creating a stark silver-on-blue contrast that makes the blade visually striking from across the room. The full-tang construction runs the length of the handle for structural integrity throughout the piece.

The tsuka is built on a white ray-skin (samegawa) foundation, wrapped with silver cord ito in a traditional diamond-pattern cross braid. Alloy fittings - including the kashira at the pommel and the habaki at the blade collar - are finished in matching silver, giving the handle a cohesive, polished look. A hanging ring at the kashira adds a period-accurate detail consistent with the WWII officer sword reference.

The chrysanthemum-themed silver alloy tsuba is cast with layered floral relief on all faces. The motif nods directly to the imperial chrysanthemum iconography associated with the original shin gunto officer class, and the silver tone ties cleanly into the saya and handle color palette.

The saya is constructed from hardwood with a silver lacquer finish and covered edge-to-edge in deeply engraved floral and scroll relief work. The engraving is consistent in depth and clarity from the koiguchi to the kojiri, with no blank panels - a detail that elevates this piece well beyond standard smooth-finish scabbards. A saya ring near the koiguchi mirrors the kashira ring for a balanced silhouette. Collectors interested in similarly styled pieces can explore the Flower Tsuba Katana collection for more floral-themed designs.

At 40.5 inches overall and 3.17 lbs, this replica captures the proportions of the historical Type 98 gunto with a silver-and-blue color scheme that works equally well as a display piece or a WWII-themed collection centerpiece. For additional blue-blade options in full-tang construction, the Full Tang Blue Katana collection offers a range of complementary styles.