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 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 Kogatana, which fits into a slot in the scabbard.

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 early 17th century portion. The tang on this blade definitely shows advanced age, and numerous refits. Unfortunately the wear and cleaning from these has removed part of the smiths signature, leaving only 定 (SADA) partly visible. We think there was a second kanji above, but it cannot be made out at all.

The blade is old, we are told ancient, due to a few tell tale characteristics that are:
- The two holes in the tang (meguki-ana) are 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.
- Blade is signed (mei) now partly faded.
- Faintly Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.
- Ware and Fukure Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.

Offered in very nice condition, the blade does show significant use and cleaning since the last polishing. There are a few areas of light peppering and staining, and the edge is not really sharp, though there are no nicks or other major issues. Blade length is approximately 11" and overall length 17". Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri

Although it is very faint, the blade also does have a hamon (temper line), which looks to be a TOURAN (billowing) type. The blade must be held in the light to see it in the reflection. There are multiple lamination lines visible throughout the blade. It looks to have masame (straight) hada (grain) to the ji (body) of the blade, and there are some blade wounds, mostly ware (lamination lines). These confirm that it is a true laminated blade.

The Tsuka (handle) has a minimal oval tsuba (cross guard) and a nice Kashira (End Cap), with one wooden securing peg. Very good stingray Sa-Me Skin (grip) with complete Ito (cloth binding). The Tsuba has a cutout to allow the Kogatana to fit. The habaki (blade collar) is copper or bronze, typical for blades from the Edo period. The Scabbard (saya) is in good condition, covered with a very nice speckled lacquer. It is however flaking off in places, and there is evidence of wood worm damage underneath the lacquer, so it is somewhat delicate. The Kurikata (scabbard knob) is still present, as is the accessory slot.

The Kogatana accessory knife is in good condition, and the blade on this example looks to be laminated steel! There is a bit of staining, but nothing major. It is signed with the character 明 - AKI. The Kozuka (grip) is attached firmly to the tang of the knife, and is in very good condition. The design motif on the handle shows some Chickens and other birds on both sides.. The knife fits into a slot on the scabbard.

A very nice Tanto & Kogatana set, ready to add to your Japanese collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 11"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 17“
Scabbard Length: 14 1/4"

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.