Musashi – Tonbo Dragonfly Katana
In stock
$184.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Blade
- 1060 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 39 5/8"
- Weight
- 2 lbs 3 oz
- Brand
- Musashi
- Culture
- Japanese
Overview
Musashi - Tonbo Dragonfly Katana
The Tonbo Dragonfly Katana from the Musashi Swords Silver Series combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with practical cutting performance in an affordable and beautifully mounted package. Hand-forged from durable 1060 high carbon steel and clay tempered to produce a visible hamon, the Tonbo Katana is designed to be both an eye-catching display piece and a capable backyard cutter. Its dragonfly-themed fittings pay homage to the “Tonbo” of Japanese folklore and samurai symbolism, where the dragonfly represented courage, victory, and unwavering forward motion.
Its hand-forged blade measures just under 29 inches and makes excellent use of 1060 high carbon steel, a reliable choice prized for balancing durability, shock resistance, and edge retention. The differential heat treatment creates an attractive visible hamon while helping the blade absorb cutting stresses effectively. Weighing comfortably under 3 pounds and balanced roughly 4.5 inches forward of the guard, the Oni Katana combines agile handling with enough blade presence to deliver authoritative cuts. A bo-hi groove lightens the blade further and enhances maneuverability, while the 9.75 inch tsuka provides solid leverage and control during swings.
Unlike many budget-oriented katana that rely on fragile zinc alloy fittings, the Oni Katana is mounted with durable antiqued brass for the tsuba, fuchi, and kashira. Authentic rayskin panels reinforce the traditional construction and are tightly overwrapped in quality black ito cord for a secure grip and classic appearance. Completing the package is a carved wooden saya finished in glossy black lacquer and fitted with a matching sageo cord. Included with the sword are a protective cloth sword bag and the manufacturer’s production certificate.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Musashi
- Culture
- Japanese
- Pommel
- N/A
- Overall Length
- 39 5/8"
- Blade Length
- 28 5/8"
- Blade
- 1060 High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 2 lbs 3 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 4 3/4"
- Thickness
- 7.3 mm - 4 mm
- Width
- 32 mm
- Grip Length
- 9 3/4"
- Country of Origin
- China
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q Is this katana meant for display, cutting, or both? Common Question
The Tonbo Dragonfly Katana is built to serve as both a display piece and a functional cutter. It's hand-forged from 1060 high carbon steel, clay tempered for a visible hamon, and ships Very Sharp, so it can be used on tatami mat or water bottles while also looking the part on a stand.
Q What is the blade steel and how durable is it for cutting? Common Question
The blade is 1060 high carbon steel, a common choice for cutting swords because it balances flexibility, shock absorption, and edge retention well. It's differentially heat treated (clay tempered), which produces the visible hamon and helps the blade absorb the stress of repeated cuts.
Q Does this sword come sharp? Common Question
Yes, this katana ships Very Sharp, ready to be used on cutting targets like tatami or water bottles. Given the live edge, it should be handled with the same care as any sharp blade and is not intended for sparring or contact use.
Q What kind of tang does this katana have? Common Question
This is a traditionally mounted katana, so the tang is built the way historical katana are: it runs roughly three-quarters of the length of the grip and is secured with a bamboo peg through the handle, rather than extending the full length to the pommel like a modern tactical piece. That construction is standard for hand-forged, traditionally fitted katana and holds up well under normal cutting use.
Q What does the hamon tell me about how the blade is made? Common Question
The blade is differentially hardened through clay tempering, and the visible hamon running along the edge is the direct result of that heat treatment. It's not just decorative — differential hardening leaves the edge harder for cutting while keeping the spine tougher, and the photographs show the temper line clearly running the length of the blade near the cutting edge.
Q What are the tsuba, fuchi, and kashira made of? Common Question
The fittings are antiqued brass rather than the zinc alloy often found on budget katana, giving them more durability for handling and display. The photographs show the tsuba with a dark, blackened finish and gold-toned dragonfly and crescent-moon engraving, matching the Tonbo theme, with a brass habaki (blade collar) at the base of the blade.
Q What does the point of balance mean for how this sword handles? Common Question
The point of balance sits 4 3/4 inches forward of the guard, and combined with a weight of 2 lbs 3 oz, the sword is set up to move quickly through cuts while still carrying enough blade presence to cut with authority. The bo-hi groove running down the blade also trims weight, which helps keep the swing agile.
Q How should I take care of this sword to prevent rust? Common Question
Wipe the blade down after handling to remove oils and moisture, then apply a light coat of oil before storing it in the included saya. The saya itself is carved wood finished in glossy black lacquer, so keep the sword in a dry environment and avoid leaving it sheathed if the blade is damp, since trapped moisture against the wood can encourage rust.
Q What comes with the sword? Common Question
The katana ships with its wooden saya (finished in glossy black lacquer with a matching sageo cord), a protective cloth sword bag, and the manufacturer's production certificate.
Q What is the grip like to hold? Common Question
The 9 3/4 inch tsuka gives solid leverage for two-handed control during swings. It's wrapped in black ito cord in a traditional diamond pattern over rayskin panels, which keeps the grip secure even with sweaty or gloved hands.
The Maker
Musashi
Musashi swords are forged with nothing less than 1060 high carbon steel. Long the weapon of choice for the samurai, the katana produced by Musashi combines form and function.
Often paired together
No reviews yet. Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.