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. This example displays great age, and we estimate it was made during the early portion, most likely towards the end of the 17th century.

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 mostly removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely patina. 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. The edges were also cut off a bit, which is why they are still so sharply defined, despite the age.

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. It was refit multiple times, the last time being during the 19th century, and then it was most likely brought back by a USGI after WWII.

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.
- 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, without any dents or chips that we can see or feel. The blade aspects are all still relatively easy to see in just about any kind of light, with just 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 15 ⅜ inches and overall length 21 ⅝ inches. It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with a KIRI (cut) 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 visible 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 faint YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is of the KO-MARU (小丸 - small round turnback) shape, and is mostly visible with a clear transition. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, mostly WARE lamination lines, 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 blacked copper and is a 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 knife, neither of which are included in this setting. There are three metal SEPPA (spacers) around the crossguard to keep it secure, though at present it wobbles. The FUCHI (grip collar) is brass or copper, which shows a bird on one side, and a rising sun on the other side. It is also signed on the top with 埋忠 就方 Umetada Narikata, along with a Kaō personal signature. This is a known maker of sword fittings during the Edo period, and it shows an extremely high level of craftsmanship. The KASHIRA end cap is black composite urushi material. 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 excellent condition, and is genuine skin with a high level of pattern variation. It has a black ITO (grip wrapping) present, which look to be dogs or some other type of animal. The handle is held in place by what looks to be a replacement MEKUGI (peg).

The sword comes in a a well fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which has a black gloss URUSHI lacquer finish. There is some age to the lacquer, but no major chipping or splitting along the seams on the side. We can however see some touch up repairs, and it looks like some of the parts may have been reglued at some point. It has a slot for a KOGATANA knife, though one is not included, while other side has a lovely KURIKATA (栗形 - knob), which has an installed black SAGEO (下緒 - sword cord) wrapped in the storage configuration.

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

Specifications:-
Blade Length: 15 ⅜"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)
Handle Length: 5 ⅜"
Overall length: 21 ⅝“
Scabbard Length: 18 ⅛"

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.