Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased directly from a private collection, this is a very nice Japanese wakizashi (short sword), which is installed in "sword cane" style fittings. It was most likely brought back from Japan during the post war period by a U.S. Soldier. The blade is genuine and ancient, as indicated by a few tell tale characteristics that include:

- The Hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.

- Tang is shows oxidation and great age. There is no signature, so it is MUMEI (nameless), but the color and pattern of rust indicate it is probably from the 18th century or earlier.

- Folded steel blade, with fold lines are evident on the body and spine of the blade.

- Clear HADA (grain) in the body of the blade, produced by the folding process used in traditional Japanese swordmaking.

- Traces of the original HAMON (temper line) can be seen under the light.

- The blade has KIZU (wounds) which are inclusions resulting from when the various pieces of steel were laminated together. This is only possible using traditional forging techniques.

Offered in very good condition, the blade unfortunately has been cleaned numerous times, so there are only traces of the original polish in places, such as under the grip. It is still however quite sharp, and has a good edge with a few nicks. There are some blade wounds (kizu), which are caused by small carbon and air pockets in the steel from when it was originally laminated together. These are normal and confirm the authenticity. Blade length is approximately 20 3/4 inches and overall length of 28 1/4 inches, which definitely classes this as a Wakizashi. Handmade blade, with the typical "Futsu" shape tang, with a haagari (assymetrically rounded) tip. 

The TSUKA (handle) and SAYA (scabbard) are a matched set, both made of wood and covered with a decorative wood veneer, which has a lot of figuring and grain. The level of workmanship is quite nice, and the set together are 35 inches long, definitely "walking stick" length for someone of shorter stature. The blade is held in place with a single bamboo MEKUGI (peg). The fittings do show some age, and the metal fittings have a nice patina.

A very interesting Wakizashi sword cane, which would make a nice addition to any edged weapon collection, ready to display!

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 multiple pieces of folded steel stock, which are then laminated together. 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. They were also relatively expensive, and would be passed down in the family for generations, until the blade was too worn to be polished and put in a new setting.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.