T10 Carbon Steel Tanto with Red Lacquer Saya - Black Cord Handle, Chrysanthemum Iron Tsuba

The blade on this tanto is forged from T10 carbon steel, ground to a clean geometry with a hand-finished edge and a genuine hamon line that follows the curve of the cutting edge. The polished chrome finish on the nagasa catches light sharply against the dark fittings, highlighting the contrast between steel and hardware that defines a well-assembled koshirae piece.

The tsuka is wrapped in black cotton cord over real white samegawa - the diamond-pattern nodes of the ray skin are visible beneath the wrap, providing both texture and grip. The menuki, finished in gold tone, sits flush within the wrap on the omote side, adding a subtle ornamental accent without disrupting the hand feel.

The tsuba is cast iron in a chrysanthemum theme, with layered petal forms arranged in a full circular openwork design. The dark patinated finish keeps the tsuba visually grounded while the detailed relief work gives it depth worth examining up close. Habaki and seppa are fitted cleanly at the blade collar, completing the transition from steel to handle fittings.

The saya is constructed from hardwood finished in a deep red lacquer - a rich, consistent tone that anchors the piece visually. Black sageo cord is wrapped and knotted at the kurigata in a traditional style, with copper-accented fittings at the koiguchi. Explore similar pieces in the Red Tanto collection for additional red-saya koshirae options.

At 22 inches overall and 2 lbs, this tanto is compact and well-proportioned for display or as part of a broader Marble T10 Carbon Steel Tanto collection focus. The koshirae-style assembly - matching sageo, samegawa, and lacquer saya - makes it a complete presentation piece built around one of the most traditional short-sword formats in Japanese sword craft.