Empire Wheel Katana — 1045 Carbon Steel, Edition B, Hand Forged, Full Tang, Battle Ready

The white lacquer saya stands out first. It gives the sword a brighter display presence than black-saya Empire Wheel versions.

The white saya makes the outline lighter and more visible. Brown reads warmer, while black keeps the profile quieter.

Yes. The listed steel grade is 1045 carbon steel.

Yes. This version is listed with a bo-hi / fuller.

The saya on this katana is part of a complete design concept called "Shadow of the Wind." The scabbard is white piano lacquered wood — the same high-gloss finish used on black saya, but in absolute white. Combined with the white-wrapped tsuka and white leather Ito that ties both handle and scabbard, the entire sword from tip to pommel reads as a single white form. White in Japanese aesthetic tradition carries a specific meaning: it is the color of purity, of beginning, of the absence that precedes form. In martial culture it also carries a more austere resonance — white is the color of the burial shroud, the color worn by those who enter a situation with absolute commitment and no expectation of return. A sword dressed entirely in white makes a precise statement about the philosophy of the person who carries it.

Yes — the Shadow of the Snake Katana is the companion Shadow of the Snake (black) to this Shadow of the Wind (white), sharing the same saya design, fittings, and color palette. Displaying them together as a matched set recreates the traditional Japanese daisho presentation — the pairing of long and short blades that was the mark of the samurai class. Both swords are built to the same specifications and finished with the same decorative approach, so the two pieces read as a single unified object on display rather than two separate swords. You can find the companion piece on our site: Shadow of the Snake Katana.

Keep the blade dry after handling and oil it lightly before storage.