Murasaki Hebi Katana Sword (紫蛇) – Purple Snake

Murasaki Hebi Katana Sword (紫蛇) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• Damascus steel blade, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Bo-Hi (棒樋): groove on the blade.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): lacquered wood alternating white and purple lines, with black Kojiri and Koiguchi.
• Sageo (下げ緒): purple cord.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): faux white stingray leather on wood.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): purple diamond pattern braiding above the handle.
• Menuki (目貫): ornaments depicting a black dragon.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): copper-colored, shaped like a coiled snake.
• Fuchi (縁): copper-colored, shaped like a coiled snake.
• Kashira (頭): copper decorated with a coiled snake.
• Habaki (鎺): brass with engraved kamon.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 27.95in
• Overall length including handle: 40.55in
• Length with scabbard: 41.34in
• Handle length: 10.43in
• Blade thickness: 0.28in
• Blade width: 1.26in
• Weight: 2.76 lb
• Package weight: 3.42 lb

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Katana stand: Not included

Murasaki Hebi katana sword: design and finishes

In Japanese culture, the color purple symbolizes spirituality and high rank, while the snake represents transformation and secret knowledge. This blade thus embodies the warrior’s metamorphosis toward a higher consciousness, where each battle becomes a lesson in life.

The Damascus steel blade reveals undulating patterns reminiscent of snake scales, while the bo-hi lightens the overall effect and produces a characteristic whistling sound when the sword is moved. The copper-colored tsuba features a coiled snake, a motif that is repeated on the fuchi and kashira. The handle combines the rough texture of white samegawa with purple diamond-shaped braiding, providing a firm and elegant grip. The menuki depict a black dragon. The lacquered scabbard subtly alternates white and purple lines, contrasting with the black ends, while the purple sageo completes the ensemble.