Damascus Tanto in Basswood Shirasaya

Product Description for Damascus Tanto in Basswood Shirasaya

Maker: Fred Ott (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97656
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 9.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 9.00 in.
Total length: 14.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.20 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.21 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 8.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 12.0 oz.
Blade: Twist pattern damascus -- hand forged from 1095 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Satin finished copper habaki
Handle: Basswood
Sheath: Basswood shirasaya
Description: This exceptional Tanto shows Fred Ott's work at its best. This Japanese-style tanto grabs the imagination from first sight.
The blade was forged to shape from Fred's own damascus, beginning with 1095 and 15N20 carbon steels. The twist pattern damascus is immediately captivating. A mune (ridge) travels along the spine, making it easy to guide the blade into the saya. A fuller (hi) travels along each side of the blade. A copper habaki (blade guard) protects the blade from scratches when stored in the basswood sheath (saya).
The handle and matching sheath are called shirasaya. The word translated literally means “white scabbard.” However, this term refers not to the specific color of the scabbard, but rather the simple, clean design. Shirasaya are intended for long-term storage of the blade, rather than field combat use. This is because the more elaborate and lacquered wood scabbards could retain moisture and corrode the blade over a long storage period. The basswood saya is perfectly fit to the tanto and is quite elegant. It is set, as is traditional, with a bamboo peg.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available