This commission was designed to express quiet elegance through traditional structure, refined color balance, and symbolic flow.

Client’s Request

The client sought a performance-grade katana that embodies both refinement and strength.
Their preferences included:

• A Sanmai-construction blade for resilience and sharpness.

• A warm, brown-gold color theme to evoke the calm radiance of sunset light.

• A wave motif on the fittings, symbolizing harmony and movement.

• A lacquered saya with a subtle shimmer, revealing depth and natural grace under light.

These concepts guided the creation of a blade that combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary sense of beauty.

Blade Forging & Structure

The blade was forged in Sanmai construction, with a hardened steel core enveloped by softer outer layers.
This classical method ensures both flexibility and edge durability — an ideal balance of cutting power and resilience.

Through clay tempering, the edge reveals a flowing Gunome-midare hamon, a rhythmic wave pattern representing motion and controlled energy.
The surface displays a blend of Masame-hada and Itame-hada, intertwining straight and woodgrain textures achieved through precise folding and directional hammering.

Mounting & Finishing

The saya is coated in brown-gold nashiji lacquer, creating a fine, sparkling surface that glows softly under natural light — like ripples across amber water.
The koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri are reinforced with buffalo horn, offering strength while preserving visual harmony.
A wine-red silk sageo is tied in traditional style, providing both functional grip and balanced contrast.

The tsuka is wrapped in brown silk ito over white rayskin, with hishigami folded beneath to achieve perfect symmetry in each diamond pattern — a hallmark of expert handle wrapping.

Fittings & Symbolism

The fuchi and kashira are made of brass with a nanako-ji (fish-roe) texture, delicately engraved with family crests that express heritage and personal identity.
The mokko-gata brass tsuba is engraved with wave motifs, symbolizing the flow of life and the balance between strength and serenity.

Artistic Outcome

This custom katana embodies the essence of refined balance — a harmony of steel, lacquer, and symbolism.
Its layered construction reflects the interplay of strength and softness, while the wave engravings and shimmering lacquer suggest movement within stillness.

Every fold, polish, and carving was performed by hand, creating a piece that stands as both a functional weapon and a work of living artistry.