Karakusa Floral Scroll Katana – Hand Forged T10 Steel, Genuine Notare Hamon & Black Iron Fittings

Karakusa (唐草) – Floral Scroll Katana

Hand-Forged T10 Steel | Genuine Notare Hamon | Traditional Black Iron Floral Fittings

The HanBon Forge Karakusa Floral Scroll Katana (HBF1087) is a handcrafted Japanese-style sword that brings together flowing botanical ornamentation, traditional blade geometry, and carefully coordinated black koshirae.

Named after Karakusa (唐草), a traditional Japanese decorative style characterized by flowing vines, scrolling foliage, and stylized botanical forms, this katana draws its visual identity from the intricate floral scrollwork engraved into its black iron tsuba, fuchi, and kashira.

At its heart is a hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel blade, differentially hardened using clay and oil quenching to produce a genuine Notare hamon. Its gently undulating temper line is complemented by a hand-applied mirror polish, classic Shinogi-Zukuri geometry, and a defined Chu-Kissaki.

The elegant black fittings are paired with Japanese black tsuka-ito, antiqued genuine rayskin, subtle gold-colored floral menuki, and a high-gloss black lacquered saya featuring genuine horn fittings.

Created for sword collectors, Japanese martial arts enthusiasts, and experienced cutting practitioners, the Karakusa Katana combines traditional Japanese-inspired aesthetics with functional sword construction.

1. The Karakusa Design – Traditional Japanese Floral Scrollwork

The defining artistic element of this sword is its Karakusa-inspired black iron koshirae.

In Japanese decorative art, Karakusa refers to ornamental patterns of curling vines, scrolling leaves, and stylized botanical forms. Such designs have appeared throughout Japanese craftsmanship, including textiles, lacquerware, architectural decoration, and metalwork.

The Karakusa Katana features a black iron tsuba decorated with balanced floral scrollwork. Curving stems, delicate leaves, and flower-like elements flow around the guard, creating a harmonious ornamental composition.

The matching fuchi and kashira continue the botanical theme, giving the entire sword a consistent decorative identity.

Rather than depicting a specific identifiable flower species, the fittings incorporate stylized floral and foliage motifs, emphasizing traditional ornamental design.

Black Iron Fittings

• Tsuba: Black iron guard with symmetrical floral scrollwork and an understated matte finish.
• Fuchi: Black iron handle collar with matching engraved botanical patterns.
• Kashira: Coordinated black iron pommel featuring flowing floral ornamentation.
• Menuki: Gold-colored floral ornaments that introduce a subtle contrasting accent.
• Habaki & Seppa: Brass fittings that complement the dark koshirae.

The result is a distinctive black-and-gold appearance that favors refined craftsmanship and traditional decorative harmony over excessive ornamentation.

2. Hand-Forged T10 Steel with Genuine Notare Hamon

The Karakusa Katana is forged from T10 high-carbon steel, a material commonly selected for functional Japanese-style sword blades.

Its high carbon content allows it to develop a hardened cutting edge when properly heat treated, while careful forging, heat treatment, and polishing contribute to the blade's overall quality.

This blade undergoes differential clay hardening followed by oil quenching.

During the hardening process, clay is applied selectively to influence how different areas of the blade cool. This produces differences in the steel's microstructure and hardness, creating the genuine hamon visible along the blade.

Genuine Notare Hamon

The Notare hamon is characterized by its gently rolling, wave-like appearance.

Unlike an artificial temper line created through decorative surface treatment, a genuine hamon is the visible result of differential heat treatment.

On the Karakusa Katana, the flowing Notare pattern provides a visual counterpoint to the curling foliage engraved into the iron fittings.

Subtle variations in the hamon may occur between individually handcrafted blades.

Blade Craftsmanship

• Hand-forged T10 high-carbon steel
• Clay-tempered differential hardening
• Oil-quenched construction
• Genuine Notare hamon
• Hand-applied mirror polishing
• Sharp blade suitable for controlled cutting practice by experienced users
• Optional unsharpened finish upon request

For anyone researching the differences between sword-hardening methods, explore our guide to Clay-Tempered vs. Through-Hardened Katana.

3. Traditional Shinogi-Zukuri Blade Geometry

The blade features the classic Shinogi-Zukuri construction, a traditional Japanese sword geometry characterized by a distinct longitudinal ridge known as the shinogi.

Its clearly defined yokote marks the transition into the Chu-Kissaki, a medium-length sword point.

This combination creates a recognizable Japanese katana profile with balanced proportions and clean geometric lines.

The blade is manufactured without a bo-hi, giving it an uninterrupted steel surface. A groove may be added as a complimentary customization option if requested before production.

The mirror polish emphasizes the elegant blade geometry and allows the naturally formed Notare hamon to remain an important visual feature.

Learn more about Japanese sword blade profiles in our Japanese Sword Blade Shape Guide.

4. Traditional Hineri-Maki Handle with Antiqued Rayskin

The handle of the Karakusa Katana combines traditional materials with a coordinated dark color scheme.

A hardwood core forms the foundation of the tsuka, which is covered with antiqued genuine rayskin (samegawa) and wrapped in black Japanese tsuka-ito.

The wrapping follows the traditional Hineri-Maki method, creating the distinctive diamond-shaped openings associated with Japanese sword handles.

Gold-colored floral menuki appear beneath the wrap, adding a restrained decorative accent that complements the botanical engravings on the iron fittings.

The blade features full-tang construction, secured within the handle using two bamboo mekugi.

Handle Details

• Hardwood handle core
• Antiqued genuine rayskin
• Black Japanese tsuka-ito
• Traditional Hineri-Maki wrapping
• Gold-colored floral menuki
• Black iron fuchi and kashira
• Full tang secured by two bamboo pegs

Together, these materials create a textured, visually cohesive tsuka that complements the black iron floral fittings.

5. High-Gloss Black Saya with Genuine Horn Components

The Karakusa Katana is accompanied by a black lacquered hardwood saya featuring a polished, high-gloss surface.

One of its premium construction details is the use of genuine horn fittings at three key locations:

• Koiguchi: Horn fitting at the mouth of the saya.
• Kojiri: Horn fitting at the tip of the saya.
• Kurikata: Horn cord-attachment fitting on the saya.

These traditional components add durability and visual refinement while providing reinforcement at selected areas of the wooden scabbard.

The saya is completed with a black sageo cord, maintaining the sword's unified appearance.

Discover additional saya materials and styles in our Katana Saya Selection Guide.

6. Karakusa Katana Specifications

Dimensions and weights are approximate. Small variations may occur between individually handcrafted swords.

7. Personalize Your Karakusa Katana

Every sword enthusiast has individual preferences, and HanBon Forge offers customization options to help create a sword that reflects your style.

While the Karakusa Katana comes with its distinctive black floral fittings, alternative accessories and selected construction options may be requested before production.

Available Customization Options

• Alternative tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki designs
• Different tsuka-ito and sageo colors
• Alternative saya finishes and compatible components
• Optional bo-hi
• Sharpened or unsharpened blade
• Personalized text engraving on the blade or tang

Selected options, including adding a bo-hi or requesting an unsharpened blade, can be accommodated without an additional charge. Please contact us regarding engraving details and pricing before ordering.

Explore customization accessories: Japanese Sword Fittings Collection.

For personalized engraving information, see our Sword Engraving Customization Guide.

8. HanBon Forge Craftsmanship & Quality Inspection

HanBon Forge is a swordmaking workshop based in Longquan, Zhejiang, a region with a longstanding tradition of sword craftsmanship.

Our swordmaking process involves hands-on forging, heat treatment, polishing, fitting preparation, handle wrapping, and final assembly.

For the Karakusa Katana, the manufacturing process brings together a differentially hardened T10 steel blade, coordinated floral iron fittings, traditional-style handle wrapping, and a lacquered saya fitted with horn components.

Our Pre-Shipment Quality Checks

Before shipment, key aspects of the finished sword are reviewed, including:

• Blade appearance and polishing quality
• Overall fitting alignment
• Handle assembly and security
• Tsuba and decorative component positioning
• Saya fit and visible finish
• Overall workmanship and presentation

Completed sword photographs are provided for customer review before dispatch, allowing customers to confirm the finished appearance of their order.

Our goal is to provide clear product information, responsive customization support, and transparent communication throughout the ordering process.

9. Recommended Uses & Maintenance

The Karakusa Katana is intended for responsible adult sword enthusiasts and experienced practitioners who appreciate traditional Japanese-style sword construction.

It is suitable for collection, display, martial arts-related study, and controlled cutting practice with appropriate targets under suitable supervision or training.

Because the blade is made from high-carbon steel, regular maintenance is essential.

• Wipe the blade clean and dry after handling.
• Apply a thin protective layer of suitable sword oil.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and humidity.
• Do not strike hard objects or engage in blade-to-blade contact.
• Inspect handle and fitting security before practice.
• Store the sword securely and away from children.

Differentially hardened blades should not be subjected to improper cutting angles, lateral stress, or unsuitable hard targets, which may damage the cutting edge.

10. What's Included

• 1 × Karakusa Hand-Forged T10 Steel Katana
• 1 × Matching Black Lacquered Hardwood Saya
• 1 × Complimentary Sword Bag
• 1 × HanBon Forge Sword Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to common questions about the Karakusa Katana, its blade construction, fittings, and customization options.

About This Product & Our Craftsmanship

Product: Karakusa (唐草) – Floral Scroll Katana, HBF1087

Prepared by: HanBon Forge Swordmaking Team

Workshop: Longquan, Zhejiang, China

Product Information: Based on the sword's construction specifications, materials, fitting details, and product photography.

Our product descriptions are intended to help customers understand the materials, craftsmanship, dimensions, and customization possibilities of each sword. As handmade products, individual examples may show slight variations in finish, hamon appearance, and measurements.