Hira-Zukuri Tanto - 10 2/3 in.

Product Description for Hira-Zukuri Tanto - 10 2/3 in.

Maker: Yoshindo Yoshihara (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 85760
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 10.62 in.
Total length: 15.62 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.08 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.27 in.
Item weight: 10.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 12.8 oz.
Blade: Tamahagane (jewel steel), extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago
Bolster: Shyaku Dou (black copper) habaki (blade color)
Handle: Ho wood handle and saya (sheath)
Description: This Hira-Zukuri Style Tanto (flat sided tanto) is the work of master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara. Yoshihara, who is considered to be among Japan's best living swordsmiths creates masterworks that have a living spirit all of their own.
He begins by forging the blade from tamahagane (jewel steel), which is extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago. A mix of steels, arranged for their imperfections as much as their purity results in his unique blades: “The combination of ‘bad’ and ‘good’ steel and superb forging technique is what gives it blade its personality and beauty, just like a human being. A perfect blade has no personality,” says Yoshihara.
The clay temper on the blade results in a ko-notare (irregular and undulating) hamon. The broad, flat sides make this dramatic hamon all the more apparent. The resulting blade is soft and supportive at the spine, with a very hard blade edge. The steel was repeatedly drawn out and folded over itself, resulting in a grain pattern known as Itame-hada (a pattern resembling wood grain, in which scattered irregular ovals appear). The spine is iori-muni, meaning it forms a sharp ridge at the top.
A black copper habaki protects the blade from scratches that could otherwise be caused by the saya (sheath). The tang has been engraved with Mr. Yoshihara's mark. And is filemarked in the sujikai style. File marks slop towards the back of the tang.
As you would expect, exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available