Leathery Texture On Hitatsura Blade

[vfox]

Hello,

 

I am looking for the term used to describe the leathery texture on this hitatsura tanto. It occurs in streaks and patches separate from the hamon.

 

 

Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jay

[ROKUJURO]

Jay,

it could be ARA NIE, but probably more good photos are needed.

The SHINOGI ZUKURI shape is more common in longer blades, not so much in TANTO. How long is this blade? 

[vfox]

Thank you Jean.

 

The nagasa measures 19cm. The total length is 30cm.

 

It's a pretty beat up blade. Seems to have been badly rusted once, hence the deep pits.

 

I have added a few more pictures, hopefully these will be slightly clearer. My apologies for the quality as I do not have proper photo taking equipment.

 

 

 

Jay

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

Shingane ?

[Brian]

Refer to past comments about shinogi zukuri tanto.
Always beware.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Could be made from the tip of a broken sword.

[vfox]

Agreed. Judging from the patina on the tang and the positions of the mekugi ana, this was shortened at least twice. Once long ago and another time more recently.

[vajo]

Looks like someone has lacquered it against rust and the most is gone away?

[Ray Singer]

The appearance is caused by large, rough, clumping nie throughout the ji.

[paulb]

Looking at the overall condition I wonder if these large clumps of "nie" are in fact caused by fire damage. Remembering how nie is formed, if this blade was cooked for a long while and then cooled these large very ugly clumps of martensite could form. This might also explain the lack of a distinct hamon. I don't believe any self respecting smith would be happy producing a surface finish like this.

Sorry.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

A dry scaly look is a definite cause for concern. Yamanaka's Newsletters revised offers considerable descriptions of what to watch out for.

[vfox]

Fire damage, rust, shortening... Sure looks like this piece has been through a lot. Guess it can be used as a pocket knife now