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" (平造) 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, a lovely handle (tsuka), and a very nice perforated crossguard (tsuba).

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.;

This example has been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades, and this combined with age has removed the file marks (yasurime) on the tang, and given it a lovely patina from oxidation. The blade is signed, however the TAGANE (chisel marks) are faint and the TAGANE MAKURA (raised area around the mei) is completely gone, and the characters are faint. We estimate it was probably made in the 17th century, based on the condition of the tang and blade. As best we can tell, the tang of the blade is signed 兼常, read as KANETSUNE. This is a very long lineage of smiths based in Mino province, reaching back to the 14th Century, with the 16th Generation working during the 18th Century. Definitely some great research potential in this blade.

The blade is old an forged in the traditional manner, which we can tell 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.
- Ware Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.

Offered in very good patinated condition, the blade of this example is in very nice condition, though it has definitely seen use and cleaning since its last polishing, and is now stained overall, which unfortunately has made the aspects of the blade almost impossible to see. However, the edge is still quite sharp, so care is needed. We do see some nicks towards the tip, so this is definitely a tanto that saw some real use. Blade length is approximately 10 ¼" and overall length 16 ½". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with a Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). We can see blade wounds including WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits.

It is fitted with a lovely iron TSUBA (cross guard), which is a KAKU GATA (square) shape, with some lovely perforated designs at the corners. It has a kozuka hitsu-ana, while the kogai hitsu-ana has been filled with brass. There are two SEPPA spacers around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, though it still definitely has some wobble even with them installed. There is a nice silver plated copper HABAKI around the blade, typical of the Edo Period.

The TSUKA (handle) has a nice simple silver FUCHI (grip collar), which is mostly unadorned. It is wrapped with a very nice stingray Sa-Me Skin grip, which is covered with a nice blue ITO (cloth binding), showing overall light to moderate wear. This holds the two MENUKI (grip ornaments) in place, which have a lovely floral design, with gilt highlights. The KASHIRA (end cap) is silver, matching the fuchi, and is properly secured with the wrapping. The handle is held on with one wooden securing peg, which is a recent replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) is in good condition, covered with a lovely textured black or dark brown lacquer finish, and it has a lovely silver inlaid metal design near the bottom, which has oxidized to be almost as dark as the lacquer. There is an accessory slot for a kogatana knife, which matches the cut outs in the cross guard and spacers. Unfortunately, the bottom fitting is missing, and the scabbard has split along the seam, now held together by string. The KURIKATA knob for the SAGEO sword cord is missing as well, along with the KOIGUCHI throat fitting.

A nice patinated edo period tanto with some lovely fittings, ready to add to your Japanese collection! Definitely some great research and display potential here!

Specifications (Tanto):
Blade Length: 10 ¼"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 16 ½“
Scabbard Length: 16 ⅜"

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.