Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Tanto (短刀), which literally means short sword. These could be in any number of different shapes, depending on the requests of the person who ordered it. The blade length of a tanto is typically between 15 and 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 inches), or 1 Japanese shaku, an ancient measurement. This example is a bit different from what we normally see, as the blade is actually taken from a yari (槍), a traditionally-made Japanese blade (nihonto) in the form of a spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear. We have seen these called both "Tanto Yari" as well as "Yari Tanto", and there does not appear to be any consensus on an "official" designation.

There were several different styles of spears, and the blade on this is a Hira Sankaku Yari (平三角槍) type, which have a point that resembles a narrow spike with an isosceles-triangle shaped cross-section. The blade's tang was cut down through the process of SURIAGE (磨上 - shortened tang), which allows it to be fit into a much shorter handle. Because of the way Japanese blades are made, they can only be shortened from the tang end. We have other similar period examples, and they seem to have been somewhat common, as spears became much less useful as firearms became widespread.

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. We estimate it was from the late 18th century portion. The tang of the blade definitely shows some age, but does not look to have been refit many times. As it is unsigned, this blade is considered 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous".

The blade is old, which we can tell due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:
- Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.
- Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.
- Ware Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example is in very nice condition, though it has definitely seen use and cleaning since its last polishing. There are also some areas of light staining oxidation. This has resulted in the aspects of the blade being quite faint, and we can no longer make out a temper line. There are some edge bends and dents as well, so this definitely looks to have seen real use. The BO'HI (棒樋 - large or wide groove) fuller has been painted with red URUSHI lacquer, very common on polearm blades such as this. Blade length is approximately 11 7/8" and overall length 18 1/8". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with a KIRI (cut) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade on this example is definitely handmade, as it features WARE (lamination lines), and FUKURE (carbon pits) only possible on traditionally made blades.

The fittings on this "Tanto Yari" are quite simple, similar to a resting scabbard, but painted with ochre-colored urishi lacquer, with some composite or horn fittings on the ends. Both the TSUKA (handle) and SAYA (scabbard) are in very good condition, showing some wear from age, and fit the blade well. The handle is held on by a replacement MEKUGI (peg), made from bamboo.

A very interesting Amor Piercing Tanto dagger from the Edo Period, ready to add to your Japanese collection!

Specifications:-
Overall Blade Length: 17 1/4"
Edge Length: 8 5/8"
Tang Length: 4 1/2"
Blade Style: Hira Sankaku Yari (平三角槍)
Overall length: 18 1/8“
Scabbard Length: 14

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 Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from 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 Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.