Aoi Shirasaya (青い)

A shirasaya is a traditional Japanese sword mounting style that features a plain, unadorned wooden scabbard (saya) and handle (tsuka). Here are the important aspects of a shirasaya:

1. Minimalistic Design
2. Practicality
3. Natural Materials
4. Disassembly
5. Blade Visibility
6. Historical Significance: traditionally used during peacetime when the sword was not in active use. It was commonly employed for storage and preservation of the blade, making it an essential part of a samurai's equipment.
7. Modern Use: Today, shirasaya-style mountings are often favored by collectors, martial artists, and enthusiasts of Japanese swords. The simplicity and elegance of the shirasaya design appeal to those who appreciate the traditional craftsmanship and historical significance of the samurai sword.

Overall, the shirasaya represents a functional and aesthetically understated approach to sword mounting, allowing the beauty and importance of the blade to take center stage.

This Shirasaya sword is fully handmade with traditional technology. It is Damascus folded steel blade with special treated, which was made by repeatedly heating, hammering and folding the metal, creating subtle and visible layers on blade. The process of folding metal is to improve the strength of blade. Blue color on the surface of blade is made by electroplating, this not only looks beautiful but also can prevent the blade from rusting.

There is a long bo hi on each side of the blade, which not only allows for a lighter blade and audible feedback when swung, but also can balance the blade to achieve optimal performance. This sword has no tsuba, the tsuka (handle) core is wooden. Its tang is secured by two bamboo mekugi (pegs). Saya is blue hard wood.

Specifications
Overall: 41" (104.1cm)
Blade Length: 27.7" (70.4cm)
Handle Length: 10.5" (26.7cm)
Blade: Damascus folded steel, full tang with bo-hi
Handle & Scabbard: Hardwood
Habaki: Brass