Cold Steel has a reputation for quality pocket and fixed blade knives. That standard is no different in their Katana swords. The Habaki (blade collar) is hand made out of nickel-silver brass and each hilt is covered in SamA (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 possible. The Emperor features fully a sharpened 1055 carbon steel blade that is heat treated to a spring temper that is then hand polished to a mirror finish. The Emperor includes a black lacquered scabbard to keep your sword protected.