Koryo Ogon Katana - 黄金龍刀

Specifications:

• Full tang construction
• SHARP blade
• Hand-forged
• Blade material: 1095 steel with hand polish
• Habaki material: brass
• Genuine ray skin
• Magnolia wood saya
• Finely carved copper tsuba
• Cotton tsuka-ito
• Gold-plated menuki
• Total length: 105 cm
• Blade length: 72 cm
• Blade width: 3.2 cm
• Blade thickness: 0.7 cm
• Handle length: 30 cm

• Includes: Katana and matching scabbard

Koryo Ogon Katana - Golden Dragon Guard Japanese Samurai Sword

Let's be honest - the first thing anyone notices about the Koryo Ogon is that absolutely breathtaking golden dragon guard. This isn't just decoration; it's a sculptural masterpiece that belongs in a museum. Multiple dragons coil and twist around each other in full three-dimensional relief, every scale individually carved, every claw gripping with lifelike tension. The level of detail is staggering - you can spend minutes just examining the intricate work on this guard alone.

What makes this piece truly special is how the blade complements rather than competes with that spectacular guard. The mirror-polished silver steel features raised wave patterns that you can actually feel with your fingers - not simple engravings, but dimensional relief work that creates real texture along the blade. These waves flow like ocean swells frozen in metal, catching light from different angles as you move the sword. It's a technique that requires serious master-level craftsmanship, since you're essentially sculpting functional steel.

The golden habaki bridge between blade and guard carries a small oval crest emblem, tying into that luxurious brass aesthetic without overdoing it. Meanwhile, the handle keeps things elegantly simple with traditional black diamond-pattern wrapping over genuine ray skin, punctuated by white menuki that provide just enough contrast. This restraint is intentional - when you have a guard this spectacular, the rest of the sword needs to know when to step back and let the star shine.

The glossy black scabbard continues this philosophy of elegant minimalism. Its mirror-like lacquer finish provides a sophisticated backdrop that makes the golden guard pop even more dramatically. No competing patterns, no unnecessary ornamentation - just flawless black that says "I'm confident enough not to try too hard."

There's something deeply symbolic about the multiple dragons intertwined on that guard. In East Asian mythology, dragons represent control over water and weather, imperial power, and the connection between earth and heaven. Having several dragons suggests the wielder commands power from multiple divine sources. The wave patterns on the blade tie directly into this water-dragon connection, creating a cohesive narrative about mastery over natural forces.

The "Koryo" part of the name hints at connections to Korea's Goryeo dynasty period, where dragon symbolism held profound cultural significance. Whether you're drawn to the historical connections or simply appreciate jaw-dropping metalwork, this katana delivers on every level. It's the kind of piece that makes visitors stop mid-conversation when they see it on display.

For care, this beauty demands museum-level attention. That intricate guard needs gentle brushing to remove dust from all those sculptural crevices - a cloth alone won't reach everywhere. The raised wave patterns on the blade require careful oiling to preserve the relief work. But honestly, if you're investing in this level of artistry, you're already the type of collector who appreciates what proper care entails.

This is the crown jewel piece. The conversation stopper. The sword that makes other collectors ask where you found it.