Is this a Tanto?

[fernando]

Don't despair Andy, specially if you didn't pay much for it .
You will end up learning something out of this; the world of Japanese swords is a vast universe, including superb examples that sell for many thousands of dollars, but that is not necessarily the issue here.
I notice that the peg ( mekugi ) that holds the handle to the tang hole is missing; check if there is a real tang with such hole ( not the continuation of an adapted broken blade ) and if it has the signature ( mark ) of the maker.
The handle is real ... a modest one, with the ray skin wraped by canvas strips and iron washers in between, instead of the traditional ornaments (menuki); such is a typical economic version, made in a hurry to equip the Tatsuma rebels, but still a legitimate one (see my example picture attached).
I also bought this in a junk condition, but the money i paid for it versus the opportunity to learn about this area, was well worth it.
If you are interested in developing your knowledge in these things, you may start by consulting Richard Stein's comprehensive web site, with a mirror in this Forum resource site
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm
Fernando

[katana]

Originally Posted by fernando

Don't despair Andy, specially if you didn't pay much for it .
You will end up learning something out of this; the world of Japanese swords is a vast universe, including superb examples that sell for many thousands of dollars, but that is not necessarily the issue here.
I notice that the peg ( mekugi ) that holds the handle to the tang hole is missing; check if there is a real tang with such hole ( not the continuation of an adapted broken blade ) and if it has the signature ( mark ) of the maker.
The handle is real ... a modest one, with the ray skin wraped by canvas strips and iron washers in between, instead of the traditional ornaments (menuki); such is a typical economic version, made in a hurry to equip the Tatsuma rebels, but still a legitimate one (see my example picture attached).
I also bought this in a junk condition, but the money i paid for it versus the opportunity to learn about this area, was well worth it.
If you are interested in developing your knowledge in these things, you may start by consulting Richard Stein's comprehensive web site, with a mirror in this Forum resource site
Fernando

Well said Fernando,
my lack of knowledge does not allow me to comment with 'authority' on this Tanto but any weapon made for use, whether 'made to order' or composed of 're-cycled' parts still has legitimate 'status' in my 'book'.
I actually thought it strange that a washer was used as the menuki.....afterall if it was made to deceive the maker would surely use something more desirable ..and not use a humble washer... suggesting (to me) some sort of authenticity....but what do I know Andy, if I was you I would 'hang on to it'.

Not all weapons were high status, craftsman made items but their function was the same to protect your country / tribe / family or to attack another.

Regards David

[Andy Stevens]

Thanks for all the info gents, I must say that Fernandos link to Richard Steins website was a real eye opener!
I've managed to pull the blade form the handle- not easy as the thing is bloody sharp! I hope the pics shed a little more light on this dagger. The peg hole in the handle dosn't line up with the hole in the tang, so I guess this is a composite piece, that said, it took a lot of force to remove the blade, I had to remove a lot of rust- me thinks there is some age here and not a modern made in China job. What ever it be, it feels good in the hand and would I'm sure have performed well in action. I can see no marks on the tang-but then again, I hardly know what I'm looking for

Out of interest, the seller has got the scabbard that came with the dagger when he purchased it. I will get it at easter ( he forgot to bring it to the sale) when we meet again at the next antiques fair. Many thanks for all comments and opinions.

[katana]

Andy,
interesting that it has a 'chamfered' spine .....so what appears to be the edge (in one of the pictures) is in fact the spine ?

I am sure the scabbard will help help provide further clues


David

.

[BerberDagger]

this is a kaiken ...not tanto...

[katana]

Hi BerberDagger,
according to this...
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=B...kQ8MZD_Y&hl=en

the difference between a Tanto and Kaiken is how it is worn, if that is the case, the scabbard will probably ID which it is

Could it also be considered to be an 'Aikuchi' another guardless Tanto type knife?

Regards David

[spiral]

Originally Posted by katana

Andy,
interesting that it has a 'chamfered' spine .....so what appears to be the edge (in one of the pictures) is in fact the spine ?

I am sure the scabbard will help help provide further clues


David

.

No David thats the blade edge, the raised spine is on the other side!

Cleaning rust of Japanse tang destroys any value, but luckily that doesnt look like a japanese made tang anyway.

Spiral