Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Tanto (短刀), which literally means short sword. These could be in any number of different shapes, depending on the requests of the person who ordered it. The blade length of a tanto is typically between 15 and 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 inches), or 1 Japanese shaku, an ancient measurement. The blade of this example is in the typical Hira Zukuri (平造り- flat shape), which means it is a blade without a shinogi, or ridge typical of longer blades. It comes as a complete set with matching lacquered fittings, which are in very good condition.

This example dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. Age and wear have completely removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and past cleaning has left it mostly bright steel. We can see that the MEKUGI-ANA hole for the MEKUGI peg has been repaired with a copper insert, so it must have been significantly worn over the years. As there is no maker name on the tang, this blade is considered 無銘 (mumei), or "anonymous". We estimate this blade was probably made in the mid 18th century.

The blade is old, which we can tell due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:

- The hole in the tang (meguki-ana) is punched, and not drilled. It has also been repaired due to wear.
- Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.
- Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.
- The Blade has lamination artifacts or "blade wounds" (kizu) such as ware (lamination lines) and fukure (carbon pits), only possible on traditionally made blades.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example is in very good condition, still quite sharp and showing just some tiny edge nicks / bends, particularly on the curve of the tip. It does show a bit of a dark finish, however that is the style that some older blades used. The polish is still in very good condition, so the aspects of the blades construction can be fully appreciated without any specialized visualization techniques. There is some scuffing and wear, but no signs of major cleaning or use of uchiko powder. Blade length is approximately 8" and overall length 13 ⅛". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with a Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The blade shows a clear SUGUHA (直刃 or straight) temper line (刃文 - HAMON), which shows lots of internal activity. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a lovely MASAME (柾目 Straight) pattern, showing extensive lamination. We can also see some small FUKURE carbon pits as well as WARE lamination lines. The BOSHI (帽子 - tip temper line) is mostly visible, and is a YAKIZUME (焼詰 - no turn back) shape. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

As with some smaller tanto we have seen, the fittings are somewhat minimized in shape and size. The iron TSUBA (cross guard) is very small, in the rounded MARU GATTA shape, and the TSUKA (Handle) is not traditionally wrapped. Instead of ray skin, it is wrapped with some type of fabric cord, which then had lacquer applied over it. Id has a copper FUCHI (grip collar) and KASHIRA (end cap), as well as a central copper band with a brass stud. The handle is held on with one wooden securing peg, which looks to be original. The HABAKI blade collar is multi-piece, made from copper, typical of the edo period.

The Scabbard (SAYA) is in very good condition, and matches the handle nicely. It is coated with lovely URUSHI lacquer, which has a mottled light and dark brown color to simulate tortoise shell. It also has copper bands surrounding it like the grip does.

A very nice Japanese Tanto short sword from the Edo period with a lovely blade in some very nice fittings! Ready to and display!

Specifications :
Blade Length: 8"
Blade Style: Hira-Zukuri (平造り) - tanto
Overall length: 13 ⅛“
Scabbard Length: 10 ⅜"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.