Rōtasu is the lotus — the flower that rises clean out of muddy water, opening at the surface without a trace of the depth it came from. It is the right emblem for this katana: a folded Damascus blade whose grain rises out of the steel the same way, layer upon layer surfacing as one flowing pattern.
Specifications
| Blade steel | Damascus steel |
|---|---|
| Tsuba | Finely carved copper engraved with floral motifs |
| Saya | Orange-lacquered wood with cotton sageo |
| Tsuka | Genuine white shagreen, copper menuki |
Dimensions
| Total length | 103 cm |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 71 cm |
| Blade width | 3.2 cm |
| Blade thickness | 0.75 cm |
| Handle length | 26 cm |
Forging & Steel
The blade is forged from genuine Damascus steel, folded and forge-welded so the finished bar carries that characteristic fingerprint grain — rivers of light and shadow that no stamped, single-billet blade can imitate. The folding is not decoration alone: it homogenises the steel and lets the edge run hard and keen while the body keeps its resilience. The result holds a sharp edge and answers the hand with the slightly alive feel that only folded steel gives — keen enough for controlled tatami cutting, yet resilient enough to take that work without complaint.
Around it, the fittings lean into the lotus theme. A finely carved copper tsuba is engraved with floral motifs, the genuine white shagreen tsuka is set with copper menuki for a sure, non-slip grip, and the orange-lacquered saya with its cotton sageo throws a deliberate, warm contrast against the cool grain of the blade. Together they make the Rōtasu read as a single considered piece, as much at home on the stand as in the practitioner’s hands.
Is it battle-ready?
Yes. The Rōtasu is a full-tang, functional Damascus katana with a genuine sharp edge, balanced for cutting practice and equally at home on a stand. Sold for trained, responsible use.
For more folded steel in this range, see the Katana Gaiyo or the Musashi-inspired Katana Musashi, or explore the full katana collection.
