Our factory has used only traditional materials for our Japanese sword's fittings. The Tsuba (guard), Fuchi (collar), and Kashira (pommel), are expertly made and finely crafted in nickel-silver brass. The Habaki (blade collar) is hand made out of nickel-silver brass and each hilt is covered in Samé (ray skin) and tightly wrapped in the traditional style with black silk cord. A beautiful Menuki (a small ornamental sculpture inserted between the ray skin and the cord wrappings on the handle) enhances the sword's aesthetic appearance and makes for a sword that is as traditional looking as we can possibly make it. All feature fully sharpened 1055 carbon steel blades, each heat treated to a spring temper. The blade surface is then given a careful polish by hand, with a distinctive mirror polish applied to the fuller (blood groove). All come complete with a BLACK LACQUERED SCABBARD and a BLUE-VIOLET COVER BAG.