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. The blade of this example is in the typical "Hira Zukuri" shape, which means it is a blade without a shinogi, or ridge typical of longer blades. It comes as a complete set with lacquered decorative scabbard, and a very nice ornate handle (tsuka). Additionally it comes with a matching kogatana knife, with a handle that matches the fittings. Really a great set here!

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 great age, with almost all of the yasurime file marks worn away, and a lovely aged patina. The mekugi-ana peg hole is also quite worn, so it may have been refit in the past. As it is unsigned, this blade is considered 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous".

The blade is old, we are told ancient, due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:
- The hole in the tang (meguki-ana) is punched, and not drilled.
- Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.
- Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Ware Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.

Offered in good condition, the blade of this example is in very nice, though it has definitely been some time since it was last properly polished. It has scattered oxidation and staining overall, and shows signs of past cleaning, which has made the aspects of the blade hard to see. Please note however that the edge is still quite sharp, so care is needed, and there are no nicks or other damage we can see. Blade length is approximately 9" and overall length 15 7/8".

In spite of the condition of the polish, the blade still has a relatively clear clear SUGUHA (直刃 or straight) temper line (刃文 - HAMON), which is visible in the light. There are also blade wounds including WARE (lamination lines) and FUKURE (carbon pits), only possible on traditionally made blades. It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Iriyamagata (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

It is fitted with a lovely minimal oval brass TSUBA (cross guard), which is surrounded by two seppa (spacers) to keep the fit tight. The bottom of the blade is fitted with a lovely "rain" pattern HABAKI blade collar, typical of those used during the Edo period. The TSUKA (handle) has a nice blacked brass FUCHI (grip collar) with a fantastic gilt dragon design wrapping around onto both sides. It is wrapped with a very nice stingray Sa-Me Skin grip, which is covered with a nice black ITO (cloth binding), which shows wear from use and age. This holds the two MENUKI (grip ornaments) in place, which look to be bronze mythical creatures. The KASHIRA (end cap) is also blacked brass with a gilt dragon on it, and is properly secured with the wrapping. It is held on with one wooden securing peg, which is a most likely replacement.

The included kogatana knife is fairly typical, and the kozuka handle has a dragon design matching the other fittings, though we believe the dragon is most likely a recent addition.

The Scabbard (saya) is in very good condition, covered with a lovely black enamel lacquer finish overall. It has a bit of an undulating shape to the exterior, which definitely would have made it easier to grasp. The Kurikata (scabbard knob) is still present, and has a very nice shitodome fitting inside. There is an accessory slot for a kogatana knife, which matches the cut outs in the cross guard and spacers, and fits the included kogatana perfectly.

A very nice edo period tanto with a handmade blade and lovely kogatana knife, ready to add to your Japanese collection! 

Specifications (Tanto):
Blade Length: 9"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 15 7/8“
Scabbard Length: 11 1/4"

Specifications (Kogatana):-
Blade Length: 4 11/16”
Overall Length: 8 3/8

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 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.