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.

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. As the blade length is just an inch longer than that of a tanto, most would term this an "Ko-Wakizashi" (小脇差). It does however have the "Shinogi-Zukuri" (鎬造り) shape, common on longer wakizashi and katana. The matched fittings (KOSHIRAE) however are very much tanto style, with no cross guard present.

This example has possibly been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades. This along with age has mostly removed YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina. As there is no maker name on the tang, this blade is considered 無銘 (mumei), or "anonymous". The blade has the following period correct features, indicating it is 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.
- Vibrant visible temper line (hamon) at the edge of the blade with crystals visible as well as lots of activity.
- Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Both ware (lamination lines) and fukure (carbon pits) are visible, only possible on traditionally made blades.

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, showing some past scuffing and very minor oxidation, which were cleaned away using UCHIKO powder, made from the finest grade of polishing stones. The edge is in great shape, showing just a few small bends and an intact tip. The blade aspects are all still relatively easy to see in just about any kind of light, with some loss of clarity due to the uchiko powder cleaning. It does not look to have seen any major use since the last polish. Blade length is approximately 13 inches and overall length 19 ⅛ inches. It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with a IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI (鎬造り), which has a "blade ridge or SHINOGI at the edge of the body. This is the "standard" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi.

The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive GUNOME-MIDARE (互の目乱れ - irregularly undulating), 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. We can also see SANAGUSHI and KINSUJI inclusions both within and above the temper line, which are areas with a different crystal structure. There are even some UCHINOKE crescent shaped lines above 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 Ō-MARU (大丸- large round turnback) 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. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display are definitely in demand.

The KOSHIRAE (拵え - sword fittings) on this example are more typical of those used for a TANTO knife, and not a wakizashi. The TSUKA (handle) and SAYA (scabbard) are matched, coated with black or dark brown textured URUSHI lacquer. They are also bear matching fittings made from silver inlaid iron, which have all matured to a lovely patina. These include the FUCHI grip collar and KASHIRA end cap on the handle, along with the KOIGUCHI throat fitting, SAYAJIRI end fitting, and KURIKATA knob on the scabbard. Even the fitting by the slot for the KOGATANA matches this. The sides of the lacquered handle have two blacked brass dragon MENUKI grip ornaments, and the HABAKI blade collar is made from two pieces of copper, typical of the EDO period. There is also a silver KOZUKA handle for a KOGATANA knife, which has a wooden blade fitted so it stays in place in the scabbard slot.

This is really a very interesting Edo Period Ko-wakizashi with in matched Tanto-style fittings. The aged silver inlaid iron mountings are quite lovely, and really add to the piece. A definite item of interest for any collector of Japanese swords.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 13"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)
Handle Length: 5 ⅛”
Overall length: 19 ⅛“
Scabbard Length: 15"

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.