{"product_id":"yue-du-katana","title":"Yue Du Katana (Moon Crossing) | Handcrafted Blackened Damascus Steel Oil Quenched Tempered Hand-Forged Blade Black Cord Wrap Handle Wooden Saya 103cm — Under $200","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eYue Du Katana (Moon Crossing)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a handcrafted collector katana featuring a blackened Damascus steel blade — named for the image of moonlight crossing still water: the dark, flowing patterns of the Damascus blade reflecting the moon's silent passage across the surface. Oil quenched and tempered, black cord wrap handle, wooden saya, full tang construction. 103cm. Under $200.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest blackened Damascus katana under $200. Handcrafted Damascus steel, oil quenched and tempered, hand-polished collector edge. Dark surface with flowing Damascus patterns visible beneath — extraordinary visual depth. Named Yue Du, Moon Crossing — the most poetically evocative blade in the collection.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Does Yue Du (Moon Crossing) Mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYue Du creates one of the most poetically evocative images in Chinese sword culture — the moon crossing the water, its reflection moving silently across the surface of a still lake. \u003cstrong\u003eYue\u003c\/strong\u003e (Moon) is associated with reflection, transience, and subtle beauty. \u003cstrong\u003eDu\u003c\/strong\u003e (Crossing) means to traverse, to pass from one shore to another — in Chinese poetry, the crossing of water is a metaphor for transformation and passage between states of being. Together: the moon's reflection moving silently across dark water — exactly the visual quality of the blackened Damascus blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBlackened Damascus Steel — Dark Surface, Flowing Patterns\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Damascus steel blade undergoes a blackening surface treatment that darkens the finish while preserving the flowing, organic patterns of the folded steel beneath — creating a blade of extraordinary visual depth. Oil quenching and tempering achieve the ideal balance of hardness and toughness for an authentic collector edge suitable for traditional form practice and martial arts training.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is Damascus Steel?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamascus steel is a folded steel construction where multiple layers of steel are forge-welded and folded repeatedly, creating the distinctive flowing, wavy patterns visible on the blade surface. Each Damascus blade has a unique pattern — no two are identical. The blackening treatment enhances the visual contrast of the Damascus patterns, creating a dark, dramatic surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho Is This For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors seeking the best blackened Damascus katana under $200 with poetic cultural depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMartial arts practitioners who want a functional Damascus steel blade for form practice and training\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFans of dark aesthetics, flowing patterns, and Chinese poetic sword culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone searching for a unique katana gift with visual drama and cultural meaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSword enthusiasts who want a blade that is as beautiful as it is authentic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall Length: 103 cm (41 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade Length (Nagasa): 72 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle Length (Tsuka): 30 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade Width: approx. 3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade Steel: Damascus folded steel, blackened, oil quenched and tempered, hand-polished collector edge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: Black cord wrap (tsuka-ito)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: Full tang, handcrafted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScabbard: Wooden saya\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSKU: LJR245028\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePackage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x Yue Du Katana\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x Wooden scabbard (saya)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x Cleaning cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: Stand not included\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle the blade with clean, dry hands. After handling, wipe off fingerprints and moisture with a soft cloth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply a light coat of sword maintenance oil every 2–3 months to protect the Damascus steel blade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the wooden saya in a dry environment away from humidity fluctuations and direct sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery order is inspected and carefully protected before shipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShips from our US warehouse with standard delivery typically within 5–10 business days. Express options available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers must independently verify all applicable laws and regulations before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe provide support for verified manufacturing defects and shipping-related damage. Contact us within 30 days of delivery with your order details and photographs. Warranty does not cover misuse, unauthorized modification, improper maintenance, or normal wear. 18+ age verification required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Product Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach handmade sword is individually crafted and may have minor variations in blade finish, Damascus pattern, blackening tone, and overall appearance compared with product photographs. These variations are inherent to hand-crafted construction and are not defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteel type alone does not determine the quality or characteristics of a blade. Heat treatment, blade geometry, construction, polishing, fittings, and craftsmanship all contribute to the final product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease carefully review the complete specifications before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdge condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always check the product specifications to confirm whether the specific model is sharpened or unsharpened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegal responsibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sword and blade laws vary by country, state, city, and locality. Customers are responsible for confirming that the product can legally be purchased, imported, received, possessed, stored, and used in their location before placing an order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product is intended for the purpose stated on its individual product page. Do not modify or alter the product beyond its stated specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"samuraiswordman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44965040783510,"sku":"LJR245028","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/7800\/4630\/files\/2024_7a642df0-70b3-431b-b5eb-c84a543ad19f.png?v=1745828059","url":"https:\/\/samuraiswordman.com\/products\/yue-du-katana","provider":"samuraiswordman","version":"1.0","type":"link"}