Is This Kaiken Tanto Worth Papering?

[dirk marshall]

Following WW2 my friend's father was stationed in Japan.  I believe he traded a pack of cigarettes for this tanto.  It’s about 10” with case, about 9’ blade.  He was wondering if it would paper and if it would be worth it.

 

 

[Ray Singer]

My impression is that this is trying to read 千手院 (Senjuin).

[Peter Bleed]

Ray is right - as usual. Late koto Mino.Senjuen?

Peter

[SAS]

I do not have the expertise to suggest anything regarding papering, but i have a strong positive emotional response to the tanto and koshirae.

[0331_usmc]

Good trade...

[PNSSHOGUN]

Looks healthy and well made, some more photos will help us

[Bazza]

Dirk,

 

Agreed, good trade and the condition is great and what a lovely thing to still have in the family.  My question is does it have a hamon???  If there is, what I'm seeing suggest it is a wimpy, wispy kind of suguha.  If you can't see any hada either it plainly needs a polish - unless there isn't any hada.  As for the nakago, Ray might be right with his SENJUIN call, but the sugata looks nothing like a Senjuin tanto, most of which are mumei anyway (??).  The sugata looks to me Shinto-like and it looks a little thicker than usual??.

 

Just OTTOMH.  Probably better to show it around at a sword show before committing to Shinsa, but nonetheless it is "grist for the mill"!!

 

BaZZa.

[Baka Gaijin]

The koshirae reminds me of Mamorigatana , the lack of kurikata in the normal position makes me wonder if it was for a bride?

[dirk marshall]

Yes it does have hamon it does not show well in the picture.  Thanks to all for your help.  I believe it was a bride's tanto.

[loui]

Hey Dirk! I hope all is well.

 

Louie

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello Dirk,

 

At this point it crosses my mind that the tip may have been shortened. If so, then it must be determined what affect that has had on what we see now. Reshapes of old in my experience were too often done more with a return of function in mind than correctness of shape. 

 

p.s. consult a polisher with excellent foundation skills.

Edited August 26, 2018 by nagamaki - Franco

[dirk marshall]

hey Louis, long time