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, a nice handle (tsuka), and a lovely sword cord (sageo).

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:
- 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.
- Faintly Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- 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, only really visible in the light. The edge is still quite sharp, so care is needed, and there are just a few edge bends we can see. Blade length is approximately 8 5/8" and overall length 12 7/8". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with a Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The blade still shows a faint SUGUHA (直刃 or straight) temper line (刃文 - HAMON), which is only visible by holding the blade in the light. We can also see some faint crystallization along the transition, and also MASAME HADA (柾目肌 - straight grain) on the body. There are also blade wounds including WARE (lamination lines), and FUKURE (carbon pits) only possible on traditionally made blades. The boshi (tip temper line) is not visible.

As with some smaller tanto we have seen, this example is fitted almost like a KAIKEN, with minimized fittings. There is no TSUBA (cross guard), and the TSUKA (Handle) is a simple type, without a FUCHI (grip collar) or any ornaments. It has a lovely Sa-Me ray skin wrapping, with a lacquered black top and a painted wood KASHIRA (end cap). The handle is held on with one wooden securing peg, which is a recent replacement. The HABAKI blade collar is a copper type typical of the Edo Period.

The Scabbard (saya) is in very good condition, covered with a lovely gloss black and red speckled finish. The Kurikata (scabbard knob) is still present, and has a very nice decorative SAGEO (sword cord) threaded through it. This would also be used to attach the tanto to the clothing. There is an accessory slot for a kogatana knife, which is unfortunately not included.

A very nice edo period tanto with some lovely simplified fittings, ready to add to your Japanese collection!

Specifications :
Blade Length: 8 5/8"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 12 7/8“
Scabbard Length: 9 7/8"

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.