Shinigami no Tsume Katana Sword (死神の爪) – The Grim Reaper’s Claw

Shinigami no Tsume Katana Sword (死神の爪) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• Black 1060 steel blade, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Bo-Hi (棒樋): Groove on the blade.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): Black lacquered wood decorated with white skulls.
• Sageo (下げ緒): Black and white cord.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): Wood covered with white faux stingray leather.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): Black diamond pattern weave.
• Menuki (目貫): Silver ornaments.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): Round black alloy shape with gold skull.
• Fuchi (縁): Black and gold brass ferrule.
• Kashira (頭): Black knob.
• Habaki (鎺): Brass collar.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 71 cm
• Overall length including handle: 103 cm
• Length with scabbard: 105 cm
• Handle length: 26 cm
• Blade thickness: 0.7 cm
• Blade width: 3.2 cm
• Weight: 1.3 kg
• Package weight: 1.6 kg

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Katana stand: Not included

Shinigami no Tsume Katana Sword: design and finishes

The name Shinigami no Tsume evokes the fearsome claw of the Japanese god of death, that mystical entity who guides souls to the afterlife. This name reflects the ruthless nature of this blade, designed to cut between the worlds of the living and the dead. The term “tsume” (爪) symbolizes not only the physical claw but also the inescapable grip of fate, while “Shinigami” (死神) embodies the dark and respected figure from Japanese mythology who decides the ultimate moment.

Its 1060 steel blade features a deep black finish that absorbs light and gives the weapon a mysterious aura. The bo-hi carved into the steel lightens the structure while producing a characteristic whistling sound when moved. The round black alloy tsuba is distinguished by its central golden skull, a universal symbol of mortality. The handle harmoniously combines white faux stingray skin and black diamond-shaped braiding, creating a striking contrast enhanced by the silver menuki. The black lacquered wooden scabbard reveals white skulls emerging from the darkness, while the two-tone black and white sageo symbolizes the balance between light and darkness.

The artisanal craftsmanship of this katana sword featuring skulls strikes a perfect balance between function and macabre symbolism. The sharp blade offers formidable cutting power, while the ornate decorations make it a unique collector’s item for lovers of Japanese Gothic aesthetics. The Shinigami no Tsume transcends its function as a weapon to become an object of meditation on the ephemeral nature of existence, a constant reminder that death remains the ultimate universal truth.