Damascus Wakizashi

Akakage Damascus Wakizashi (赤影) specifications

• Hand-forged by our master swordsmiths.
• Damascus steel blade, sharpened or unsharpened at choice, full tang.
• Scabbard (Saya 鞘): Black lacquered solid wood.
• Sageo (下げ緒): Black and red.
• Handle (Tsuka 柄): Solid wood handle with imitation red stingray skin.
• Tsuka-ITO (柄糸): Black braided above the handle in diamond patterns.
• Menuki (目貫): Black dragon.
• Guard (Tsuba 鍔): Rounded copper, shape of intertwined chains with wheel spokes.
• Fuchi (縁): Gilded copper with floral motifs.
• Kashira (頭): Gilded copper with floral motifs.
• Habaki (鎺): Gilded brass with black motifs.

Dimensions

• Blade length: 51 cm
• Overall length including handle: 78 cm
• Length with scabbard: 80 cm
• Handle length: 26 cm
• Blade thickness: 0.7 cm
• Blade width: 3.2 cm
• Weight: 1.1 kg
• Package weight: 1.4 kg

Accessories

• Scabbard: Included
• Katana stand: Not included

Akakage Red Shadow: design and finishes

The name Akakage (赤影) evokes the very essence of the red shadow, that mysterious silhouette that appears in Japanese legends. This name combines “aka” (赤: red) and “kage” (影: shadow), creating a poetic metaphor that symbolizes the duality between the warrior’s fiery passion and the assassin’s discretion. Red traditionally represents courage and determination, while shadow evokes subtlety and strategy, two essential qualities of the perfect samurai.

Its Damascus steel blade reveals subtle ripples that capture the light like waves frozen in metal. This ancient forging technique creates unique patterns that showcase Japanese craftsmanship. The copper tsuba features a sophisticated design of intertwined chains and wheel spokes, symbolizing the interconnectedness of fate and the perpetual motion of life. The handle harmoniously combines solid wood and red faux stingray skin, while the black diamond-patterned braiding of the tsuka-ito contrasts elegantly with the red base. The menuki represent black dragons, mythical guardians of wisdom and strength. The solid black lacquered wooden scabbard is adorned with a two-tone black and red sageo that recalls the duality of this weapon’s name.

This Damascus wakizashi perfectly combines functionality and refined aesthetics, offering exceptional balance for practicing traditional martial arts. The gilded copper finishes of the fuchi and kashira, adorned with delicate floral motifs, demonstrate the attention paid to every detail. This piece represents a lasting investment for collectors and practitioners seeking an authentic weapon that combines tradition and craftsmanship excellence. The Akakage embodies the spirit of bushido and is a respectful tribute to Japanese cultural heritage.