A study in simplicity and balance, crafted within a modest budget.

Client’s Vision

This commission began with a customer who wanted a katana that could embody both practicality and quiet dignity. The request was clear: a blade suitable for martial practice, but one that could also stand as an elegant display piece. The client’s budget was limited, so our task was to find a balance between craftsmanship, function, and aesthetic refinement without compromising integrity.

The theme centered on restraint and spiritual symbolism. Rather than elaborate ornamentation, the client preferred a clean, traditional appearance inspired by the Vajra — a symbol of strength, clarity, and inner discipline. Our goal at TangGu Swordsmith was to create a katana that reflected these ideals through honest materials and purposeful simplicity.

Blade Forging and Structure

The blade was forged in Maru-zukuri construction, a single-piece monosteel design known for its balance and resilience. Using modern high-performance steel, the smith performed a full heat treatment to ensure uniform hardness throughout the entire blade.

While it does not feature a visible forging pattern or temper line, the surface was polished to a reflective clarity that reveals the precision of its geometry. The result is a clean, modern blade — understated yet powerful — crafted for both tameshigiri practice and collection.

Every contour, from the shinogi ridge to the medium-length kissaki, was refined by hand to achieve consistent proportion and responsive handling. The groove, or hi, extends gracefully toward the tip, polished smooth inside to reduce weight and enhance sound balance during movement.

Mounting and Fittings

The mounting was designed to complement the simplicity of the blade. The tsuba is a solid mokko-style iron guard, blackened to a soft matte tone. It has no openwork or decorative cutouts, emphasizing strength in simplicity.

The fuchi and kashira are made from polished white copper, darkened and engraved with raised Vajra motifs. These subtle designs convey a quiet symbolism of spiritual endurance and mental focus. Matching menuki, also in the form of twin Vajra, rest beneath the handle wrapping, representing hidden power and discipline.

Although built under financial constraint, the fittings were chosen and finished with precision. The overall composition achieves harmony — minimal, dignified, and free from excess.

Handle and Scabbard Detailing

The handle is wrapped in black rayon over natural white rayskin, reinforced with paper hishigami inserts to maintain perfectly even diamonds. The texture feels firm and responsive in the hands, providing confidence during practice.

The saya continues the same philosophy of durable refinement. Coated in glossy black lacquer with a subtle speckled shimmer, it captures light like a night sky. The mouth, cord knob, and end are reinforced with water buffalo horn for extra strength and a refined finish. A black rayon sageo is tied in a standard pattern, completing the design with balance and restraint.

Artistic Outcome

What makes this project special is not luxury, but intention. Despite its modest budget, the sword embodies clarity and discipline. Every detail — from the mirror-polished blade to the blackened fittings — was chosen to express harmony between practicality and spirit.

The Vajra motifs remind the owner that true strength lies in focus and endurance, not excess. The plain iron guard and black lacquer saya whisper quiet determination rather than shout grandeur.

In the end, the TangGu Maru Blade with Vajra Mounting stands as proof that elegance can arise from simplicity. Even within limitations, craftsmanship guided by sincerity can yield something timeless — a sword that serves both as a martial tool and as an emblem of inner resolve.