Ginkgo Leaf Katana

The Autumn Leaf Katana from Dragon King pairs a serious forged blade with a quieter, nature-inspired aesthetic. Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, the design draws its character from the changing season, using ginkgo leaves, moon imagery and earthy colours to create a katana with a distinctive traditional presence. At its centre is a forged 5160 carbon steel blade that has been differentially tempered, producing a hard HRC 60 edge while retaining a more resilient HRC 40 spine.

The ginkgo has long been associated with longevity and endurance in East Asian culture, making its falling leaves particularly fitting for a sword that balances strength with the passage of the seasons. Dragon King carries this autumn theme through the fittings with a blackened, moon-shaped stainless steel tsuba pierced by falling ginkgo leaves. Grasshopper and bell cricket menuki continue the seasonal imagery, recalling insects closely associated with autumn in Japanese art and culture.

Beyond its symbolism, the Autumn Leaf Katana is built around substantial traditional-style construction. The 27 1/4 inch 5160 carbon steel blade has a 1 1/2 inch kissaki and a pronounced 1 1/8 inch sori. Its 12 inch tsuka is secured with two mekugi and wrapped in tan tsuka-ito, creating a warm contrast against the blackened fuchi and kashira. A black lacquered saya completes the understated presentation with buffalo horn at the koiguchi and kurikata, finished with a black sageo. At 40 3/4 inches overall and approximately 2 pounds 6 ounces, this is a compelling Dragon King katana for collectors who want differentially tempered 5160 steel combined with a motif that has meaning beyond decoration.