Tanto knife makers. Making a tanto
Many people know that the tanto is a Japanese knife, although the version that most people know is the so-called “American tanto”, that is, an American replica of a Japanese knife. A real Japanese tanto knife is distinguished by a rounded tip of the blade, while the Americans simplified their version of the Japanese knife by cutting the tip at 45 degrees.
Japanese Samurai Set
The Japanese tanto knife (or short tanto sword) is included in a set of three samurai swords:
- Daito (long sword);
- Seto (wakizashi or medium sword);
- Tanto (short sword or knife).
Since only representatives of the samurai class could carry a long sword, it was wakizashi and tanto that were the main weapons of merchants and artisans who used them for self-defense.
Although to the US the tanto is just a stylish traditional knife, the Japanese have never seen it that way. A real tanto is a bladed weapon; moreover, it was forbidden to use it for any economic purposes. By the way, wearing a tanto is illegal in Japan and is punishable by a high fine. For residents of Japan who really want to carry a knife that looks like a tanto, American companies have come up with folding models with tanto-like blades. Their size does not fall under the definition of edged weapons in Japan.
The appearance of tanto knives in Japan
The first tanto knives appeared during the Heian period from 794 to 1185. These knives did not differ in quality. During the Kamakura period, better materials began to be used to make tanto, and the knife itself became an invariable attribute of the samurai’s weapons.
Besides the samurai, the tanto knife was the favorite weapon of the yakuza. Ninjas also loved to use it, since this knife was worn by various social groups population, and he did not arouse any suspicion. The sheath for the tanto was also richly decorated. All tanto blades made using traditional technology are the cultural heritage of the country.
The meaning of tanto for Japanese culture
In the USA, tanto knives are produced by many weapons companies; a real Japanese tanto knife can be made only after obtaining a special license from a master gunsmith. There are no more than 300 such masters throughout Japan. Each tanto created by their hands has the mark of the master on the blade.
Although you can now find many tantos from the Second World War for sale at auctions in various countries, you should not try to get them into your collection. These knives were not produced using technology, using low quality steel. The Japanese government systematically disposes of such blades, since they are low-quality consumer goods that have nothing in common with real short swords.
Most often, tanto blades are sharpened on one side, although blades with a regular double-sided sharpening have been found.
Since tanto knives are very popular among martial arts sections, the industry produces many plastic or rubber copies of these knives, which are used to practice knife fighting techniques with a real opponent. The traditional educational tanto is wooden dummies that were used back in the Middle Ages. For educational wooden weapons The material is selected very carefully, so they can last for years.
Often you come across combat specimens of tanto, designed to pierce armor. They are distinguished by a thick and faceted blade. Tantos without a protective guard were called aikutti, and small tantos called kaiken were used by women for self-defense.
Different varieties of Japanese tanto knives
Although it is believed that tanto knives are divided into only two categories (Japanese and American tanto), there are several varieties of the traditional Japanese tanto knife:
- The Aikutti knife differs from the usual tanto in the absence of a guard. These knives were of various sizes, although short blades were most often used. In battle, knives of this type were used to finish off the enemy, since the code of honor of a warrior prohibited killing a lying enemy with a sword. Since aikutti (unlike tanto) was not considered a sword, finishing off with it was not prohibited;
- The kubikiri knife has a more curved blade. A knife of this type may not have a blade tip and was intended to cut off the enemy’s heads. According to one version, knives of this type were worn by samurai servants who collected unique trophies for their master. Since this knife does not have a blade tip, it was used only for specific tasks. Some believe that this knife was used for chopping wood or for gardening. It is noteworthy that knives of this type were made by Japanese blacksmiths at a time when traditional swords were practically not ordered. It is possible that this is how Japanese gunsmiths made utility knives based on military knives;
- The tanto fan was a type of concealed bladed weapon and, along with the battle fan, was quite popular Japanese weapons. Most often, low-quality steel was used for these knives, although professional assassins and ninjas made their tanto fans from high-quality steel, since the life of their owner often depended on the quality of the weapon. In addition to professional spies, such knives were used by women, retired military personnel, monks and other people who needed concealed weapons to protect their lives. At the end of the 19th century, the tanto fan was sold as a souvenir for tourists. Naturally, the souvenir weapon was completely unsuitable for self-defense due to the low quality of the materials used;
- Tanto-ken is one of the oldest tanto-shaped knives. The first knives of this type appeared in the 7th century. The tanto-ken has a double-edged dagger-type blade. This is a ritual knife that is used in Buddhist ceremonies. Since blades of this type are real works of blacksmithing, they came to monasteries as gifts;
- The real military weapon is the yari tanto. This blade was used to pierce armor. The blade of this knife almost completely copied the blade of the yari spear. There were examples with a hollow handle that could be put on a shaft and used as a spear. Like any military weapon, some Yari-tanto blades had rich inlay. Some examples of these weapons were used as off-hand weapons;
- Tanto pistols, although quite interesting types of weapons, were quite rare. After the Portuguese introduced matchlocks to Japan in the 16th century, firearms within a fairly short time it gained enormous popularity, although real samurai treated it with contempt. Tanto pistols appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries and gained popularity not only as a weapon of self-defense, but also as a thing that emphasized the status of its owner. In appearance it was an ordinary tanto knife, but when removed from its sheath, it turned out to be a single-shot pistol. Although the quality of execution often left much to be desired, such a concealed firearm in the world of swords was a significant advantage in the event of a dangerous situation;
- Another weapon intended exclusively for war was the hasiwari knife. This weapon was intended to capture the enemy's blade using a hook. The Hashiwari blade was strong enough to pierce helmets and armor. The length of the hasiwari blade varied from 30 to 40 centimeters, which was quite enough to deliver a fatal blow;
- One of the most unusual species tanto was tanto-saw. Many experts still cannot understand what it was intended for. Although if we remember that Japanese ninjas often penetrated homes by cutting holes in the walls, we can assume that the tanto saw is a specific tool for shadow warriors.
In addition to the traditional Japanese types of tanto, there are many more tanto-like blades produced by various knife manufacturers. Due to the great popularity of folding knives, many models with tanto-type blades have appeared. Their advantage over other types of blades is the high strength of the blade tip.
There are many tanto-shaped knives on sale now. When purchasing such a product, you need to remember that most of the models sold have a blade in the shape of an American tanto, which even in appearance is very different from the classic Japanese tanto.
Any old bolt will suit us as a blank for a knife. Heat it in the forge and use the anvil to shape the blade with hammer blows (more details in other sections of the site)
Sharpen the blade on a grinding wheel
Coat the blade with fireproof clay to keep the working part of the blade clean. Heat the blade red hot and place it in a container of water or machine oil for hardening
As a result, you will get such a blade with a powerful shank. Now it can be polished and sanded
Start making the hilt and sheath from hardwood. You will also need copper or brass trims
Adjust the parts
General view of the handle with copper plates
General view of the knife with sheath
Japanese blade manufacturing technologies video:
The ability to handle edged weapons has always been valued among all nations. The skill of their creation was valued no less. But, perhaps, only in Japan were blades made in compliance with religious rituals. The tanto knife, which is the weapon of the samurai, was considered a short sword and was created by craftsmen in compliance with all traditions and tenets of faith. This blade had a strictly defined shape; various designs were applied to it during the creation process. They were believed to be the embodiment of the prayers of the masters. Due to this, the Japanese tanto knife, like the samurai sword, kattana, was called the container of “kami” (divine). When making it, the blacksmith was required to honestly fulfill his duties and observe religiosity. History of creation and purpose According to the understanding of samurai of Japanese schools, katana, tanto and wakizashi are the same blade, only of different lengths. That is, its European name “knife” or “dagger” is incorrect. The tanto knife first appeared in the Heian era.
During the Kamakura period, these short swords were further developed, their production was of very high quality, and artistic decoration appeared on them. Subsequently, their popularity decreased so much that craftsmen stopped ordering them altogether. After the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, the emperors of the Meiji dynasty revived the ancient art of tanto making. Traditionally, the Japanese tanto knife was used by samurai to finish off their enemies or ritual suicide. However, doctors and merchants were also allowed to wear it. They could only use them to protect their lives or property. It should be said that traditions prescribed a specific purpose for each weapon; each sword or knife could only perform certain actions. What is a tanto knife? The name consists of two words “tan” and “to”, which translated means “short sword”. The knife is a single-sided blade with a length of 25 to 40 centimeters. Sometimes it cuts both ways. Manufactured without stiffening rib. Instances with this presence were called moroha - zukuri, triangular blades - eroidoshi. Traditionally, the tanto knife was made of sponge iron and had a removable handle that was attached to the tang. A mekugi pin was used for fastening. The knife also had a round removable guard - tsuba. These knives are characterized by the presence of a line dividing the metal - hamon. This knife, made of wood, was also used for training in martial arts.
Is it possible to make a tanto yourself? Many people know how to make bladed weapons themselves. Often it turns out to be much better than those samples that are produced in factories. It is unlikely that you will be able to make a tanto knife with your own hands or recreate the original. First of all, if only for the reason that you need to have blacksmithing skills. Moreover, Japanese craftsmen who made swords and other bladed weapons passed on their secrets from generation to generation, without revealing them to others under any circumstances. Hence the conclusion - it will not be possible to achieve the same quality of metal. Even today, only about 300 licensed craftsmen have the right to make the Japanese tanto knife in their homeland. If you really want to have such a blade, there are two options. The first is to make a tanto knife with your own hands from wood. With proper sharpening and selected material, this is very formidable weapon, although not classified as cold. If you have any doubts about this, you should read David Morrell's book The Fifth Profession. There is a good description of fighting with wooden swords. The second option is to buy a tanto style knife. Today there are plenty of manufacturers of such blades; which one to choose depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer. The significance of tanto for Japan These blades, like any bladed weapon created in Japan, are considered a national treasure. Each knife made by a licensed craftsman is subject to mandatory certification. If ancient tantos are found, they are studied and certified. But those knives that were made of mass-produced steel during the Second World War must be destroyed. That is, only tanto can be recognized as the property of the nation self made. In the imperial family, the knife is used for the wedding ceremony.
The differences between them are in form and purpose.
What are Tanto combat knives?
The original tanto (短刀= tan "short" + toh "sword") is a traditional Japanese short knife available to civilians (as opposed to the long katana). National treasure Japan. Combat knives Tantos are considered edged weapons in all countries. In a safe form (made of plastic, wood, rubber, etc.) it is used in oriental martial arts.
Traditional samurai set - tanto, wakizashi and katana In the European tanto classification:
- in size - a dagger;
- for sharpening - a knife.
In the classical sense, Tanto knives are exactly a sword.
Tanto knife in Japanese is hamono (刃 “blade, blade” + 物 “product, thing”). Despite the fact that both “jamono” and “tanto” have two hieroglyphs, the first is perceived as one word “knife”, the second - as a phrase with keyword"sword".
The second meaning of tanto is special shape blade for modern knives:
- combat;
- tactical;
- folding, etc.
The thick tip of the tanto is the key to the strength of the knife even with inappropriate use This form has little in common with the classic tanto, but is popular and widely used due to its strength.
Description of the Japanese Tanto sword
The classic tanto should be done like this:
| Parameter | Meaning | Japanese designation |
| Blade shape | slightly curved tip |
 The correct shape of a tanto blade is flat with a slight curve |
| flat | ||
| Sharpening | one-sided | |
| Blade length | no more than 30.3 cm, otherwise it will turn out to be wakizashi |
A standard school 30 cm ruler is exactly 1 exemplary Japanese shaku |
| total length | 35-50 cm | |
| Material | Japanese steel from sponge iron ingots |
 Tanto is made from “diamond steel” - tamahagane |
| Handle | Removable | |
| Bamboo pin |
 If you make a mekugi from metal or horn, the sword will be decorative, not combat |
|
| Garda* | Round |
 You can recognize the owner of the blade by the tsuba. The samurai code prohibited them from decorating, so they decorated tsuba. Simple “guards” are the lot of commoners |
*Tsuba was never used by the Japanese to block weapons - only to rest the hand during a piercing blow.
Parameters of a short Tanto knife
Modern tanto knives differ from the canon in almost all respects:
| Parameter | Traditional tanto sword
|
Modern tanto knife
This type of American tanto resembles a kitchen knife, but costs 10 times more. |
| Blade shape | slightly curved tip | Straight bevel at 45° |
| flat | With stiffening rib | |
| Type of sharpening | one-sided | Single or double sided |
| blade length | 17-30.3 cm | 10-30 cm |
| total length | 35-50 cm | 22-50 cm |
| thickness | 5-7 mm | 2,5-7 |
| material | sponge iron steel | A variety of steels, including Damascus |
| Handle | Removable | non-removable |
| Attaching the handle to the shank | Bamboo pin | There are no bamboo pins in sight |
| Garda* | Round | Flat, round or none |
The sketch is so detailed that at least take it and do it 
The American tanto adopted the sharpening from the katana and added chopped shapes In pursuit of spectacular appearance modern knives acquired serious shortcomings:
However, the tip strength of modern tantoids is very high, so sticking them into something hard is much safer - and it will turn out much better than with other knives.
Tanto blades in Japanese culture
Historically, Tanto blades are not a knife, but a sword, so they were most often worn in a sheath:
- for warriors - behind the belt, on the right;
- for women - in the sleeve, fan or behind the obi belt.
Samurai until the 14th century. armed with a pair of swords - daisho (“big-small”):
- Daito (“big tanto sword”) - the main one, more than 66 cm.
- Shoto (“small sword”) - additional, 33-66 cm.
Sometimes japanese sword Tanto was used instead of Shoto.
A couple of things that distinguished a samurai from ordinary people were a large and a small sword. Guess which tanto came from In the 14th century The samurai's weapons have changed:
- instead of daito - tachi, then - katana;
- instead of shoto - wakizashi, sometimes - tanto.
The difference between a tati and a katana is that the first was worn tied to a belt, and the second was tucked into the belt Over time, the tanto became part of the military set on a permanent basis, as the third item. It was regarded precisely as a military weapon, and therefore was used accordingly:
- to finish off the enemy;
- for battle in close quarters;
- for cutting off heads;
- for suicide (warriors-men, women, children);
- for self-defense (traders, artisans, monks and other travelers).
Now tanto is a cultural heritage.
The only permitted uses are:
- wedding ceremonies of the imperial family;
- oriental martial arts.
Types of tanto
In addition to the tanto itself, the short sword has different time There were dozens of varieties:
| Title and photo | Difference and purpose |
 The tanto fan has a well-camouflaged scabbard |
Sheath for tanto in the form of a folded fan. Concealed Carry:
|
 The tanto most despised by samurai is the firearm |
In the sheath it looks like a regular tanto. Outside the sheath is a single-shot pistol. In the 17-18 centuries - as a weapon of self-defense;
|
 Looks like a spear - but no, yari-tanto |
The blade is exactly like a yari spear:
For piercing armor. It could be put on a shaft like a spear. As a second hand weapon |
 Perhaps hashiwari is a prototype of the Japanese weapon sai |
|
 The tanto saw not only cuts, but also saws |
On the concave part there are saw teeth. Supposedly the ninjas made holes in the walls to get into the house |
 Tanto yoroi doshi looked approximately like this |
|
 Aikuti (“fitted mouth”) was not considered a sword |
Without a guard, without a braided handle, various tanto sizes, most often short. “Civilian version”, for finishing off an enemy (you cannot finish off someone lying down with a sword, but aikutti, unlike tanto, was not considered a sword) |
 Kubikiri literally means “head cutter” |
More curved, sometimes without a point (or with a weakly pronounced one), cutting edge- on inside or on both sides.
|
 Tanto-kens were forged specifically for monasteries |
Double-edged blade like a dagger two parallel cutting edges.
|
 The peculiarity of the hamidashi is in the handle, or rather, in the guard-tsuba of modest size. |
The guard-tsuba has a specific shape - very small, barely protruding beyond the edge.
|
 Kusungobu - a shortened version of the tanto for hara-kiri |
Ritual, the size of the tanto knife is 29.7 cm. Seppuku or hara-kiri |
 Too cramped for a wakizashi? Use kaiken! |
|
 A type of tanto with additional sharpening on the concave part |
Double-edged, curved tanto blade for close combat |
 Unokubi is a refined Japanese tanto in the truest sense, as it becomes thinner along the entire length of the striking part and retains only the tip and base thick |
The back of the blade becomes thinner in the middle, but thickens again towards the tip. Difference in tip:
Perhaps the stronger tip was used for stabbing. Plus, such a weapon is lighter than a conventional one, monolithically thick along its entire length |
 A short Japanese tanto knife with a stiffening rib looks more like an American tanto |
Stiffening rib (approximately in the middle) |
Rarer executions of tanto (as well as wakizashi, katanas and naginata) are presented in the figure below.
Photo of tanto. Different geometries of Japanese bladesHistory of the tanto sword
In Japan, tanto has a long history - to this day:
| Eras of production | Period | Event |
| Koto, "old swords" | Heian (794 - 1185) | The appearance of tanto. Rough, not artistic |
| Gempei war (War of Minamoto and Tairo) |
Tanto was included in the war armament:
|
|
| Kamakura | High quality, very artistic, mainly for samurai. The most famous tanto master is Yoshimitsu. |
|
| Muromachi | Peak production | |
| Mamoyama (1573-1599) | ||
| Shinto, "new swords" | Edo (1600-1868) | At first, production decreased, but Japanese daggers became popular among the people. Then production increased, but quality fell. Gradually they began to fall out of use, becoming a tribute to tradition. |
| Shin-Shinto, "new new swords") | ||
| Meiji Dynasty (1868-1912) | The second birth is among aristocrats, ninjas and yakuza. Weapons are produced industrially |
|
| Gendai, "modern" (1876 - 1945) | Edict of Haitori (1876) | Samurai eliminated Carrying weapons is prohibited. Tanto goes out of use |
| 1940-1945 | Mass production of steel tanta for military purposes | |
| Shinshaku, "Newest" (after 1945 ) | 1950 – Law “On Cultural Heritage” | Tanto is included in the list of traditional weapons that need to be protected and preserved. Exception: steel tantos of the Second World War, forged in haste. They are not considered cultural property and are destroyed so as not to disgrace the national treasure |
| 1954 | The production of weapons using ancient technologies is allowed - but only by licensed blacksmiths. Currently, of the 650+ such manufacturers, about half are working |
After the 1950s, nothing interesting happened regarding tanto in Japan. But thirty years later, the tanto was reincarnated - in America, in the form of a combat knife.
Manufacturing history
In the USA there was just a massive craze for Japanese martial arts, and knife makers took advantage of this.
| Year | Event | Advertising | Image |
| 1978 | American Chinese Bob Lam creates a knife that looks like a miniature samurai sword, with the same Japanese name - tanto. |  |
|
| 1979 | Individual blacksmiths picked up the style. Due to high demand, tanto production has been put into production. | Increase in tanto models on the market. | |
| 1980 | Phil Hutsfield promotes a simplified version of the tanto - with a rough chisel sharpening and a simple handle (sometimes the tang was simply wrapped with long epoxy-impregnated cords). | Swordsman Toshiro Obata cuts rice straw mats (tatami omote). Navy SEALs order tantos from Phil Hutsfield (and get them at half price). |
 |
| 1981 | Ernest Emerson develops and mass-produces folding tantos. | Again for the Navy SEALs. The knife has a lot of trendy attributes, including a lock and a clip. |
 |
| 1982 | Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel is mass-producing tantos, both regular and folding. | It pierces a car door, the skin of an airplane, and metal barrels several times in a row. Experiences lethality on a Mexican pig farm. Forms a myth about special strength and penetration. |
 |
Ito Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:18
So...
Replica of Senri Norihasa's tanto.
Hiro-zukuri, makuri-gitae structure (soft core wrapped in hard steel).
Tosin 320 mm (full blade length)
Kami (blade) 252/25/6 mm.
The deflection is 0 mm.
Nakago forms futsu-gata with a kuri-jiri base, yasuri-me kesho notch (a type of front door).
Butt of mune-hikushi.
Jamon notare.
Jihad ITAME.
Ito Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:25
Regarding Japanese names.
In previous works, I gave explanations for all the names, if anyone is interested, you can take a look, for reference. Or look up a little Japanese terminology, again, if interested.
TANTO IN ONE DAY...
It took 8 hours to make this blade from start to finish.
Ito Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:27
First, we assemble tategane from pieces of pre-prepared steel (steel with 0.8% C is saturated with nitrogen and carbon). We fix the pieces with electric welding.
We weld the package. Fold (1 fold = the number of layers doubles) the bag 16 times. And we get about 40,000 layers.
We stretch the package and get a rectangular block. We chop this block lengthwise (make a depression) and insert a piece of iron (steel 20) into it.
We weld. We forge a blank - a strip of sugukha, from which a blade will be formed.
Now only hand forging. We forge a blade.
ALL...
This tanto required time from 10 am to 6 pm.
Kiisa 02-08-2012 21:33
Impressive blade!
But the question is, how do the Japanese determine the quality of a blade? Here, I sanded/disassembled two moose with a hunting knife - very well. And among the Japanese, how many adversaries do they need to kill for a blade to be considered good?
------------------
Albion delenda est. "BR"
Shalim 02-08-2012 22:22
quote: Heat to the desired temperature and immerse in water.
Denis, hello. Everything's great. What is the required temperature? I understand that in the forge everything is done by eye, that’s how I cook it myself. Do you heat it for hardening like regular carbon? Or is there some trick?
And another question. What are you coating with? I tried KARAT, but when I put it in water or oil, the coating all comes off.
sd pskov 02-08-2012 22:36
very cool and interesting, and understandable now)
dnk 02-08-2012 22:38
I am a proponent of Sir Don Fog's sanding technique: sandpaper and laps.
and after sandpaper? Or is that all?
Ito Matsumoto 02-08-2012 22:40
The temperature depends on the steel. The coating is a common high-temperature sealant for ovens. It also depends on the geometry of the blade, the degree of shrinkage of the steel - how much longer it will stretch, the thickness of the coating layer... There are many nuances. It would be long and tedious to describe everything here... It would be easier if personal meeting will explain. Perhaps I can get out to Moscow at the beginning of September - things are coming up there, but it would be better to agree in advance - too many people want to meet...
Let's get closer to the point...
Shalim 02-08-2012 22:42
quote: Let's get closer to the point...
OK. I'll send you my phone number in a private message.
Ito Matsumoto 02-08-2012 22:44
quote: and after sandpaper? Or is that all?
Everything... And everyone knows this. My sanding ends with a maximum of 2500 sandpaper - then you can do it yourself - if anyone wants. Or you can immediately agree and the polishing will be done by professionals... All the beauty, of course, cannot be revealed using my method, but...
By the way, on the proposal...
dnk 02-08-2012 22:47
quote: Originally posted by Ito Matsumoto:
How about an osoraku-zukuri-tanto with a total size of 300-330 mm. What should be the grinding stage?
How practical))))
Okay, do as you are used to, and then I will continue.
Ito Matsumoto 03-08-2012 05:42
Va-78 03-08-2012 12:21
The wedge turned out very good.
A couple of points: for a length of ~25cm, you can safely set it to 8mm. at the base;
and give the wedge at least a piece of normal polishing to really see what happened with the hardening, i.e. what elements are distinguishable.
dnk 03-08-2012 12:48
quote: A couple of points: for a length of ~25cm, you can safely set it to 8mm
You can safely bet on shorter ones. Next week, if everything goes well, I will show you several Japanese tanto blades. If their owner allows it.)) Tanto blades are 4 mm thick and thinner for mune-machi - this is the result of several repolishings. With the exception of wide blades.
riff 03-08-2012 13:08
quote: Do the adversaries need to be killed in order for the blade to be recognized as good?
It’s enough to chop your mother-in-law into sixty-four slices!
dnk 03-08-2012 13:22
quote: Originally posted by Kiisa:
But the question is, how do the Japanese determine the quality of a blade?
Tests, if we talk about historical weapons. Right down to tests on corpses. Life and battle. They fought a lot before the Edo period. The beauty of the had and yakib with jamon, which spoke about the quality of the blade.
Stingy 03-08-2012 13:38
Really like! Like the previous ones...
Va-78 03-08-2012 13:41
quote: You can safely bet on shorter ones.
yes, but here I am looking from a practical/fencing point of view. When wielding a large tanto against a katana, if we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to deliver a chopping blow to the wrists (kote-giri/kote-uchi), we are forced to work more selectively with distance to reach the tsuki. Those. the variability of sword use is reduced. Well, a little mass won’t hurt when parrying.
and on shorter ones (15-19cm) this thickness is simply “pleasant”.
Va-78 03-08-2012 13:44
By the way, these are the blades like the last few - it’s no longer a shame to sign them. If you want, of course. The main thing is not to screw up the signature.)
Va-78 03-08-2012 14:13
Another thing I thought: well, Ito-kun is now riveting blades. The blades are good, I think interested people will sniff them out - but who will sculpt frames for all of them? Although simple, but correct shirasaya are at least needed.
Those. perhaps it is worth looking for reasonable cooperation. I really don’t know who does this without brutal show-off.
dnk 03-08-2012 14:22
The blade is not XO.
Dressed blade - XO. In addition to those with a CC certificate (cultural value), the conclusion of the ECC is household goods or with an obscene absence of a cutting edge.
Well, admit it, who does chemical warfare?))
Va-78 03-08-2012 15:12
quote: Dressed blade - XO.
Well, strictly “academically”, then the gray is not a “frame” but a “pencil case, box”.
Well, no one has canceled the general rules - you can wear aiguti coolly by choosing the proportions.
dnk 03-08-2012 15:16
I recently (two days ago) showed a naked blade to a police officer - I heard - XO!
I also told him about the guests.
It’s not necessary academically, it’s necessary practically. Or ignore everything, at your own peril and risk, but personally I am law-abiding.
There are corresponding articles for any product; if you don’t want problems, fill out the paperwork.
Va-78 03-08-2012 15:42
quote: I personally am law-abiding
Also, on principle, I don’t do chemical warfare, but what the law allows - excuse me, move over as they say. SM's illiteracy is not a reason for me.
If he’s really baking, you can go get a piece of paper. There is corruption, of course, but this is something of a “shopping spree.”
quote: It’s not necessary academically, it’s necessary practically.
But in practice, it is still necessary to convey to the experts the bright idea that the blades do not belong!
After all, there are dynamic tests that will clearly demonstrate that two pieces of wood glued together with rice glue are unsuitable for repeated powerful strikes with a blade.
or play on the bend. You never know...
dnk 03-08-2012 16:01
And people don’t want shirasai, but koshirae.
Ito Matsumoto 03-08-2012 20:26
All the latest tanto blades are from one customer. Further polishing and clothing will be carried out by him.
I will sign - but for now I’m training to write correctly and clearly. Learning English is still going well, but now I’m also learning Japanese... it’s a little stressful. The brain does not yet perceive the flow of information properly; it has not gained inertia.
Va-78 05-08-2012 13:37
quote: All the latest tanto blades are from one customer.
damn... By the way, I could have warned you.
quote: And also, for order and understanding: hav mach +/-.
dnk 05-08-2012 14:33
quote: It’s ugly to criticize such things - like ruining your earnings.
It doesn’t matter that there is nothing to scold here - in principle it’s ugly. ((
I completely disagree.
Posted - be prepared for criticism. Here you just need to separate criticism from criticism. Criticism is constructive, reasoned, competent - for the benefit of everyone. But there are people who perceive it painfully, and this is understandable, everyone has self-esteem)).
You can safely ignore critics)).
Earnings will not pass by a person who persistently practices)).
Ito Matsumoto 05-08-2012 18:36
If I were afraid of criticism, I wouldn't post it here...
My income is not affected by this criticism...
Maybe after 10 years of persistent practice I will be able to do something more intelligible and correct. Although my interests are not limited to Japan itself.
Article: SUK-TAN-10/13(TBD13-8)
Dimensions:
Blade length: 204 mm
Shank length: 81mm
Overall blade length including handle and storage mount ( saya) - 330 mm
The total length of the blade, including the handle and ceremonial frame ( koshirae) - 410 mm
The width of the blade at its widest point is 231 mm
The thickness of the blade blade at its thickest point is 6.5 mm
Blade weight - 140 g
Total weight blade, including hilt and storage sheath ( saya) - 335 g
Blade bend - 0.04 cm
Meanings of the signature on the shank: on the front side – Sukesada(祐定), on back side there is no signature.
Type hada(hardening pattern on the surface of the blade steel): mokume And masame.
On the ceremonial frame koshirae depicts seals of famous artists made using the technique maki-e, which makes the design of this decoration unique. Artists put such seals on their works to certify their authenticity.
This tanto in style aykuti refers to the period Edo (1600-1868 ), when Country rising sun ruled shoguns dynasties Tokugawa.
On a 20.4 cm long blade with a signature ( May) 祐定 Sukesada the time of its manufacture is not indicated; however, it can be attributed to the period Shinto(“new swords”) and roughly date XVII – XVIII centuries. As for the signature, the name is 祐定 Sukesada can be called “branded”. The signature 祐定Sukesada was used by a very significant number of blacksmiths (at least 150), active in different historical periods. Most of blacksmiths who used the name “Sukesada” lived in the province of Bizen, in the village of Osafune. Apparently, this blade is the work of one of the “late” Sukesadas, descendants of Yokoyama Toshio Sukesada. This blacksmith was lucky enough to survive the flood of the Yoshii River and the accompanying landslide of Mount Yokoyama, which destroyed the village of Osafune in 1591, along with the blacksmiths and their families who lived there. The descendants of Toshio Sukesada formed several lines of hereditary blacksmiths, who also signed their works “Sukesada”; 14 generations of this family are known, active until the beginning of the twentieth century. The estimated time of manufacture of this blade: the Edo period, possibly the second half of the 17th - mid-18th centuries. (?).
This blade is consistent with the style of tradition Bizen-den: forging pattern ( kitae) on the side surface ( jihad) -mokume And masame(a “wood cut” pattern with long longitudinal wavy fibers and characteristic “eyes” reminiscent of marks from knots); hardening line ( jamon) – combination of patterns choji(“clove seeds”) – and gonome(wavy line). The scabbard is covered with black varnish ( kuro-urushi) painted in gold, red and silver varnish, with gold foil appliqué and thin mother-of-pearl plates ( aogai). Decorative motif - various cartouches made in the form of seals demonstrating various forms(images of ancient Chinese incense burners, gourds, circles, rounded squares, etc.), symbolism and technology, with stylized benevolent inscriptions in the archaic ancient Chinese style, made with cinnabar, gold or black varnish using the technique of relief painting.
Similar images of seals with archaic inscriptions are associated with the so-called. the culture of “educated people” - scribes, experts in ancient Chinese poetry and literature, Confucian philosophy, etc.
The wooden handle is made in the style hanashi-menuki(i.e. without braiding cords) and covered with a beautiful grainy same(skin of a stingray or shark).
Tanto, despite its quite advanced age, it is distinguished by a very good state of preservation; at the same time, it has the corresponding signs of a very long existence: a natural gray-brown patina has formed on the shank, the varnish painting of the scabbard has characteristic abrasions - traces of the existence of an object that retains the “aroma” of a long-gone era.
