The Cold Steel Emperor Series Wakazashi features an Habaki (blade collar) that 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. The Wakazashi blade is made with 1055 carbon steel, and 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.