Original Item: Only One Available. The Japanese Katana (刀 or かたな) is a sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. The design is iconic, and probably one of the best known sword styles in the world, easily identifiable even in silhouette. The official term for katana in Japan is uchigatana (打刀) and the term katana (刀) often refers to single-edged swords from around the world. Developed later than the tachi, it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge facing upward.

After the Meiji Restoration, its used became much less widespread, however when Imperial Japan developed large ambitions, the Katana once again returned as a sign of prestige and rank. After the war, many were brought home by returning U.S. servicemen, which how most that we see ended up in the United States.

This example dates from the early 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. The blade has been remounted multiple times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old, with the last time probably occurring in the later 19th Century. This has completely removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely patina. There is also bit of patinated oxidation, a sign of great age, and the geometry has become a bit "soft" from time and cleaning.

The blade also has been shortened, cut down through the process of SURIAGE (磨上). If a blade is shortened, it can only be done from the tang end, to preserve the KISSAKI (切先 - tip of the blade) and BOSHI (帽子 - tip temper line). The tang on such a blade is cut straight across at the bottom (切り- KIRI), which this example is. As there is no maker name on the tang, this blade is considered 無銘 (MUMEI), or "anonymous", though it may have originally had one prior to shortening. Based on the condition of the tang we believe it to be from the early part of the Edo Period, during the 17th century. It was refit multiple times, the last time being during the 19th century, and then it was brought back by a USGI after WWII.

The blade has the following period correct features, indicating it was forged in the traditional manner using folded steel made from TAMAGAHANE (玉鋼 - precious steel) smelted iron sand:
- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
- Holes (mekugi-ana) in the tang are punched and not drilled.
- Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip).
- Body of the blade (JI) shows grain (HADA), produced by the polishing process from the layers of steel.
- Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Ware (lamination lines) are visible in several areas. Only possible on traditionally made blades.
- Tang of the Katana shows great age.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still EXTREMELY SHARP, so it should be handled with care. The polish is in very good condition, with no signs of cleaning or major use since the last polish. There are a few areas of light oxidation, which look to be from lack of oiling, not long term moisture exposure or use. The blade aspects are easy to see in just about any type of light. There are however a few small dents along the edge, and one sizeable chip about 1/3" of the way down from the tip, which does not go through the temper line. The blade length is approximately 21 ⅝" and overall length 31 ¼". This blade length would usually be considered a WAKIZASHI short sword, however the blade shape and fact that it has been shortened by at least 3 inches means it was made as a KATANA, and we are labeling it as such. The TSUBA (handle) is 8 ¾” long, definitely correct for two-handed use, while most wakizashi have shorter grips. The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI (鎬造), meaning the blade has a “SHINOGI” or blade ridge. This is the "standard" shape for most Katana. It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with an KIRI (切り- cut) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGUHA - 直刃 (straight) shape, with a lot of internal activity. Lamination is clearly visible throughout the hamon. 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 (肌 - grain), which is the ITAME (板目 - Wood grain) pattern. The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with a clear YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is of the YAKIZUME (焼詰 - no turn back) shape, and is fully visible with a clear transition. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, both WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits, only possible on true handmade blades. This is really a fantastic looking blade, and would be truly excellent if not for the chipping. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display are definitely in demand.

The TSUBA (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (丸形 - round shape) type, and is a "skeletal" type design, highly perforated. like a carriage wheel. The "spokes" have an interesting design, and it has TWO HITSU-ANA accessory slots, one for a KOGAI hair ornament, and the other for a the KOZUKA handle of a KOGATANA knife, though neither are included. These would allow the accessories to be removed while the sword is sheathed. There are three metal seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling, however even with these it is no longer tight. The sword has a smooth copper blade collar (HABAKI), typical of the Edo period.

The FUCHI (collar) for the TSUKA (handle) is made from blacked copper, and has lovely gilt turtle-like animal designs, while the KASHIRA (end cap) has is just plain blacked copper. There are two menuki grip ornaments, which are stylized dragon flies. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in great shape, showing no major cracking or other damage, and definitely is real and not synthetic, and of great age. The dark brown grip wrapping (Ito) shows light wear and staining from use, but no fraying, tears, or other damage. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present which is a recently fabricated replacement.

The sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which looks to have been made at some point during the 20th century. It is of a very simple design, without any fittings or even a KURIKATA knob for a SAGEO sword cord, however it is definitely above a SHIRASAYA resting scabbard. It is a lovely golden color, having been coated with clear lacquer, and it has some great figuring to the grain, particularly near the throat.

A great early Edo Period katana that has been in service for centuries and refit many times, complete with some later fittings. With the polish in such nice shape, it is definitely more than ready to be displayed!

Specifications :-
Blade Length: 21 ⅝"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Handle Length: 8 ¾”
Overall length: 31 ¼“
Scabbard Length: 25 ⅝"

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 Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded 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 traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.