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 great example acquired at a recent military show 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 is the "Shinogi-Zukuri" (鎬造り) shape and relatively long, some would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi".

This example has been remounted several times, indicated there being two MEKUGI-ANA (peg holes), as was common for Japanese blades. This has made the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina. There is also some patinated oxidation, a sign of great age. 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)
- Holes (mekugi-ana) in the tang are punched and not drilled.
- Visible temper line (hamon) at the edge of the blade with crystals visible as well as lots of activity.
- Tang of the Katana shows great age.
- 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 quite sharp, so it should be handled with care. There are just a few small dents / chips, including one on the tip. The polish is in good condition, showing overall wear and probable cleaning with UCHIKO powder, made from the finest grade polishing stones. This has made the aspects of the blade a bit harder to see, and made the geometry of the blade a bit "soft", particularly on the SHINOGI blade ridge. Blade length is approximately 18 ⅛ inches and overall length 26 inches. It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with a IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI, which 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 an attractive SUGUHA (直刃 - straight) shape, with internal activity visble, though faint. 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 faint 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 faint YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is present, and is of the YAKIZUME (焼詰 - no turn back) shape, though it can be hard to see. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, both WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits, only possible on true handmade blades.

The TSUBA (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (丸形 - round shaped) piece, which has two HITSU-ANA, one for a KOGAI hair ornament, and the other for the KOZUKA handle of a KOGATANA, though neither are included. It is quite striking, having embossed designs on both sides, with some water and wave designs on one side, while the other has turtles in the water which gilt heart-shaped shells, which look great! There are five metal SEPPA (spacers) around the crossguard to keep it secure, and the FUCHI (grip collar) and KASHIRA (end cap) are both made from matching pebbled black brass. The blade is fitted with a two piece copper and brass HABAKI blade collar typical of the Edo period.

The TSUBA (handle) on this sword is definitely a bit interesting, as the grip is not wrapped with SA-Me stingray skin, but instead patterned cloth. The ITO (grip wrapping) is in very good condition, showing some wear but no tears or fraying, and is white with small black chevrons woven in. The two MENUNK grip ornaments are gold highlighted blacked brass, and both are octopus of squid designs, fitting in with the maritime theme of the crossguard. The handle is held in place by what looks to be an original peg, and the crossguard is a bit loose on the tang.

The sword comes in a a well fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which has a very nice black and red URUSHI lacquer finish. There is some age to the lacquer, though it does look like it was probably touched up in the early 20th century. The seams do not show any cracking, though it looks like there is an older layer of lacquer under the black, which is typical as these were used for decades if not centuries. It has a lovely KURIKATA (栗形 - knob), used to attach a SAGEO sword cord (not included). and the brass SAYAJIRI end fitting is a very interesting design.

A lovely Edo Period Ō-Wakizashi complete with some lovely aged fittings, a nice bright blade, and a great cross guard! It also comes in a great vintage sword bag that is highly decorative and fully embroidered. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 18 ⅛"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)
Grip Length: 7"
Overall length: 26“
Scabbard Length: 21"

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.