Japanese tanto

[wingco]

Hi all, tanto blade no markings or fittings with just half of the wooden saya, can anybody tell me more, all the best, willie

[Alan M]

Hi Willie , i like your tanto , it has a very strong , robust blade . These blades had many shapes and styles with the more upmarket examples being quite ornate . Yours has been forged in a common style known as Hira - Zukuri ( no ridge line to the blade ) . Blades of this sturdiness and rigidity were designed for armour piercing amongst other things Obviously the blade is showing its age but i can see a Hamon ( temper line ) A nice piece of history Willie .

[wingco]

Hi Alan, thanks so much for this information, dont suppose you could put a rough date on it, all the best, Willie

[BOB COLEMAN]

Without a hands on examination, there is little to go on to date this blade. Depending on the length of the cutting edge, this also could be a hirazukuri wakizashi.

[wingco]

Hi bob, thank you so much for your input and knowledge, cutting edge is 27cm, cheers, Willie

[Alan M]

Willie , could you post some close ups of the tip of the blade , and looking down onto the top edge please .

[wingco]

Hello again alan, here are some pics of the tip of blade and top edge, rather plain not a lot to see, cheers, Willie

[BOB COLEMAN]

Hi bob, thank you so much for your input and knowledge, cutting edge is 27cm, cheers, Willie

Definitely a tanto.

[wingco]

Hello bob, once again thanks so much for your help, regards Willie