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 possibly been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades. This 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 quite 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, without any dents or chips that we can see or feel. The blade aspects are all still easy to see in just about any kind of light, with just a bit of loss of clarity due to the uchiko powder. It does not look to have seen any major use since the last polish. Blade length is approximately 20 ¼ inches and overall length 27 ¼ 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 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 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 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 TSUBA (鍔 - cross guard) is made of iron and is a MARU GATA (丸形 - round shaped) piece, which has two HITSU-ANA, one for a KOGAI hair ornament (not included), and the other for the KOZUKA handle of the included KOGATANA. It displays a lovely oxidized patina, and is a mostly open perforated design with some simple motifs. There are two metal SEPPA (spacers) around the crossguard to keep it secure, though at present it wobbles, and the FUCHI (grip collar) and KASHIRA (end cap) are both made from blacked brass, and match in style. The blade is fitted with a two piece silver plated HABAKI blade collar typical of the Edo period, which shows a "rain" pattern on the exterior part.

The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in very good condition, and is genuine skin with a high level of pattern variation. It has a dark teal ITO (grip wrapping) present, however it has suffered some tearing and damage in the past, which has been stabilized with glue. It is definitely in delicate condition and should be handled with care. There are two brass MENUKI trip ornaments, which look to be some type of ceremonial device we do not recognize. The handle is held in place by what looks to be an original peg, and the handle is a bit loose on the tang.

The KOGATANA knife is very nice, measuring 8" in overall length with a 4 ¼" long blade. It has a blacked copper KOZUKA handle embossed what look to be dogs or some other type of animal, some of which are gilt. The blade shows some past oxidation, now cleaned away, but is still quite sharp. There are some partially worn away kanji, which we were not able to read.

The sword comes in a a well fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which has a beautiful patterned gloss URUSHI lacquer finish, which shows a lot of depth. It has a very interesting pattern of green with gold on the edges on a black background, probably executed with bronze powder. This would have been accomplished by making a slightly raised pattern on the lacquer, and then sanding it smooth. There is some age to the lacquer, but no major chipping or splitting along the seams on the side. It has a slot for the included KOGATANA knife, while other side has a lovely KURIKATA (栗形 - knob) with a SHITODOME fitting, which has an installed dark blue SAGEO (下緒 - sword cord) wrapped in the storage configuration. The end of the scabbard has a SAYAJIRI fitting that matches the material and style of the FUCHI and KABUTO-GANE on the handle.

A fantastic Edo Period Ō-Wakizashi complete with lovely aged matching fittings and a great blade! With the included kogatana knife and sageo sword cord, this will make a compelling and complete addition to any Japanese sword collection.

Specifications (Wakizashi):-
Blade Length: 20 ¼"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)
Grip Length: 6"
Overall length: 27 ¼“
Scabbard Length: 23 ¼"

Specifications (Kogatana):-
Blade length: 4 ¼"
Overall length: 8"

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.