Original Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 "side inserted / companion sword") is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana. Here we have a lovely example, which we believe was refit during the Late Edo period, and does not show any signs of restoration or repair anytime in the past century.

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. As the blade length is close to that of a Katana, and the blade is the "Shinogi-Zukuri" shape, some would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi". This example has probably been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old, with the last time probably occurring in the later 19th Century. It was then probably brought back to the US during the WWII era.

Age and wear have mostly removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely oxidized patina. The TAGANE-MAKURA (raised area around the mei) is no longer present, and the TAGANE (chisel marks) are very faint, however the MEI signature is still relatively easy to read. As best we can tell it reads 政 氏 作 - MASAUJI SAKU, which translates basically to "Masauji made this". We have not been able to find much information about this smith, but condition of the blade tang definitely indicates it is probably from the 17th century. Definitely a good opportunity for further research!

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)
- Hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled.
- Blade is signed by the maker (Mei)
- Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip).
- 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.

Offered in excellent 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 towards the edge, which look to be from lack of oiling, not long term moisture exposure or use. The edge just has a few small dents and/or chips, and the blade aspects are easy to see in just about any type of light. The blade length is approximately 18" and overall length 26". It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with an IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). 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 and longer wakizashi. Many would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi" as the length is relatively close to a Katana.

The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive NOTARE MIDARE (湾れ乱れ - irregular swelling wave shape) shape, with some very nice 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 MOKUME (杢目 - wood burl) 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! 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 (round) shape, showing some decorative perforations. The surfaces are embossed with some beautiful plant designs, some of which are gold or brass highlighted. 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, the latter of which is included. This allows the knife to be taken out without unsheathing the sword. There are two metal seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling, however even with these it has a bit of wobble. The sword has a two piece gilt 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 floral designs, while the KASHIRA (end cap) has an embossed pattern that looks like clouds or maybe a morel mushroom pattern. There are two menuki grip ornaments, which look to be some type of animal. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in great shape, showing no cracking or other damage, but definitely is real and not synthetic, and of great age. The dark grip wrapping (Ito) shows wear and staining from use, and looks to have been lacquered at some point. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present which is a recently fabricated replacement.

The KOGATANA knife is very nice, measuring 7 ½" in overall length with a 3 ¾" long blade. It has a blacked copper KOZUKA handle embossed with several people surrounding a central person with rays emanating from their body, which could be an image of Buddha. There are gilt highlights throughout and it is very attractive. The blade is quite old, showing overall light oxidation, and is no longer very sharp.

The sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which is finished with textured black urushi lacquer. The scabbard is relatively unadorned, though it does have an interesting military style brass SAYAJIRI end fitting. There is a slot for the included KOGATANA knife, and there is a KURIKATA knob on the opposite side for the attachment of a sword cord. The scabbard shows moderate use, and the KOIGUCHI throat fitting at the end is no longer present. It also has the expected issues from age, with flaking of the lacquer along the side seams, which show a bit of separation.

A great early Edo Period wakizashi in great polish by a known smith with a nice set of period fittings and kogatana knife! Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Wakizashi):-
Blade Length: 18"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 26“
Scabbard Length: 22"

Specifications (Kogatana):-
Blade length: 3 ¾"
Overall length: 7 ½"

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.