Kuroryū Tanto (黒竜) – Black Dragon

Kuroryū Tanto (黒竜) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• T10 steel blade in natural steel color, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Hamon (刃文): Genuine Notare hamon obtained by differential tempering.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): Black lacquered wooden scabbard with painted golden dragon.
• Sageo (下げ緒): Brown cord.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): Wooden handle covered with black faux stingray skin.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): Brown diamond pattern weave above the handle.
• Menuki (目貫): Black dragon.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): Black iron alloy coiled dragon.
• Fuchi (縁): Smooth black alloy.
• Kashira (頭): Smooth black alloy.
• Habaki (鎺): Black alloy.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 12.99in
• Overall length including handle: 21.26in
• Length with scabbard: 21.65in
• Handle length: 6.69in
• Blade thickness: 0.28in
• Blade width: 1.26in
• Weight: 1.54 lb
• Package weight: 2.2 lb

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Tanto stand: Not included

Kuroryū Tanto: design and finishes

The name Kuroryū (黒竜) evokes the mystical power of the black dragon, a legendary creature that symbolizes hidden wisdom and primordial strength in Japanese tradition. This name combines the kanji characters “kuro” (黒) for black, the color of the invisible and mystery, and “ryū” (竜) for dragon.

The T10 steel blade reveals an authentic notare hamon, the result of traditional differential tempering that creates natural undulations along the cutting edge. This ancient technique gives the blade its exceptional strength while preserving its flexibility. The tsuba depicts a dragon coiled in black iron alloy, its fluid curves perfectly complementing the dark aesthetic of the whole. The handle harmoniously combines wood and black faux stingray skin, while the brown diamond-patterned braiding (tsuka-ito) adds a contrasting touch of warmth. The menuki feature miniature black dragons that seem to watch over the wearer’s hand. The black lacquered scabbard is adorned with a painted golden dragon, a celestial creature rising majestically from the dark surface, symbolizing the balance between shadow and light.