My new (to me) tanto with iron tsuba and nice fuchi and kashira

[Shuriken]

Long time lurker, first time poster, hello all!

 

I picked up my first sword, a tanto, and thought I'd share. I really love the tsuba, fuchi and kashira, also the habaki as well. Would love your opinions especially on the tsuba. Cheers from Torrance, CA!

 

Dave

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi Dave, congratulations on your first adventure. So much to enjoy and learn from each one of these.

 

Any overall shots of both koshirae and full blade? What are the blade measurements? 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome to NMB, Dave. I used to live in Torrance, on Artesia, about 50 years ago. I'll bet it's changed since then.

 

As Piers suggests, please disassemble your blade - which is a learning experience - & post photos of both sides of the blade, as well as your tsuba. Cut down a bit on the bright lighting so we can see details.

[Shuriken]

Hi all and Ken, wow.  I know that area well!

 

Nagasa: 12.5in/31.75cm. Nakago: 4.3in/11cm

 

Here are some more requested pics. Open to all opinions--I am just starting this journey.

[Shuriken]

Nakago and fuchi.

[ROKUJURO]

Dave,

congratulations on your first sword! 

It is a WAKIZASHI as it measures more than 30.3 cm. The SUGATA with SHINOGI ZUKURI shape also points in this direction. The original FUCHI has been replaced by one that is lower so it does not fit well to the TSUKA. Perhaps you can find another one on our TOSOGU orphan page.

The blade seems to have had a hard life so HAMON and HADA are not well visible, but the whole package is not bad for a start.. 

 

[Shuriken]

Thank you Rokujuro for your fine analysis. I had never noticed how the fuchi clearly doesn't cover the original spot on the tsuka. Great eyes--I'm learning a lot. Any thoughts on the tsuba--period date?

[paulb]

Can I throw another possibility in here. This looks to be a Boys day sword. If you look at the overall shape it looks much more like a miniature katana than a wakizashi.

Can still be traditionally made and I have seen several that are good quality and well mounted so it doesnt mean it is bad it just isnt either a tanto or wakazashi.

[Bugyotsuji]

I agree with the idea of 稚児刀 Chigo-to. Here's one at 30.35 cm.

 

https://isao-machii.org/tag/%E7%A8%9A%E5%85%90%E5%88%80/

 

The tsuba is iron with takabori oak leaf and acorn motif zogan. Not really fine work, but kind of sweet and innocent with a good old chunky feel to it. Possibly a wish that the child will grow into a mighty oak. In that sense it could be the original tsuba, which is quite special.

[ROKUJURO]

Paul,

does a boy's sword have a KOGATANA in the SAYA? I don't think so. Also the TSUKA does not look as if it would fit in a child's hand. So I am more inclined to remain with WAKIZASHI. 

[Bugyotsuji]

I wasn't sure whether it was a wakizashi, but privately thought it was, until Paul's suggestion. I am happy to roll either way.

[paulb]

Jean

You may well be right I just thought the blade looked too slim and delicate to be regarded as a wakazashi and the shape is totally wrong for a tanto. I am not sure there are any hard and fast rules as to what is and isnt included on a Boys sword (like everything else). Either way it does not greatly effect the worth of the piece historically or financially. 

Also I was basing this idea more on the blade than the koshirae which may or may not be original to the blade or added after.

 

edit: removed question about use of capitals. Misunderstood intent (sorry)

[Shuriken]

Gentlemen, allow this student to say thank you fo your many comments. Your knowledge is appreciated! Fascinating.