T10 Steel Katana – Clay Tempered, Plum Blossom Tsuba

T10 Clay-Tempered Katana with Plum Blossom Fittings Everyone tells beginners to buy T10. Harder edge than 1095, tougher under the hammer, great for real cutting. Fair enough. But have you noticed? Every T10 katana looks the same. Black saya. Black tsuka. Dragon tsuba. I own three cutters and I got bored looking at my own rack. This T10 steel katana keeps everything good about T10 — hand forged, clay tempered, real hamon — and dresses it different. Red mottled saya. Green tsuka. Plum blossom fittings. Why This One Stands Out T10 tool steel, about 1.0% carbon. It takes a harder edge than 1095 and holds it longer. Ours tests at 55–60 HRC on the edge. Real clay-tempered hamon. Not etched, not painted. The wavy line runs the full blade and into the kissaki, clear in daylight. Plum blossom tsuba and kashira. Dark bronze with gold petals and silver branches, hand engraved. The fittings match as a set. Red-black mottled saya. Hand-laid lacquer, so no two are alike. The red saya really stand out on the shelf. The color is very eye-catching, you will like it. Green ito over pale rayskin. Tight diamond wrap, no play in the handle. I personally like the green ito best — it grips well and looks great. The balance is exellent for a blade this long. Full tang with two mekugi pins. Built for tameshigiri, not just display. Specifications Blade steel: T10 high-carbon tool steel, hand forged Temper: clay tempered with a real hamon Edge hardness: 55–60 HRC Tang: full tang, two mekugi pins Habaki: pure copper, hand engraved Tsuba / kashira: dark bronze with plum blossom inlay (gold and silver) Tsuka: pale rayskin with deep green ito wrap Saya: red-black mottled lacquer, multicolor sageo Blade length (nagasa): 28.6′ Tsuka length: 10.3′ Options: sharpened or unsharpened; cotton sword bag; engraving on request NOTE: Apply oil to the blade monthly, untill the habit sticks. Do not touch the blade with bare hands — sweat causes rust. Custom Options Choose sharpened or unsharpened at checkout. Add a cotton sword bag. Want your name or a kanji engraved on the blade? We can accomodate that — email us before you order. If you want other color, we can change for you. Sageo, ito, saya finish — tell us what you like. FAQ Q: T10 vs 1095 — which should I pick? A: Both cut well. T10 holds its edge longer and resists wear better. 1095 costs less and sharpens easier. If you cut often, pick T10. If you are starting out, our 1095 clay-tempered katana is a good entry point. Q: Is the hamon real or etched? A: Real. Clay on the spine, bare edge, water quench. The wavy line is the physical result of the quench. We never etch or paint a hamon on a blade labeled clay tempered. Q: Will my saya look exactly like the photos? A: No. The red-black mottle is hand-laid lacquer. Same color family, but the pattern is one of a kind. That is the point of handmade. This T10 steel katana is for people who cut and people who collect. The steel does the work. The fittings do the talking. It is perfect gift for a collector who likes color. Questions? Email us. We actually reply.