Storage box for a tanto in Shirasaya

[Alex A]

Kind of inspired by a recent sales page, a tanto for sale that came with a storage box which i thought would be very nice for that special tanto you hope to keep with the family long term.

 

I know the correct term is "dansu", though don't remember seeing many at all for tanto.

 

Anyone else keep a tanto stored in a box specifically for tanto?

 

Was just looking online, sifting through suitable boxes on ebay etc that could be suitable, obviously would have to add something to the inside to keep the blade stable.

 

This is by no way a recommendation, just what came up first as something that comes across as suitable, though would have to put my own fittings on it. Probably not even the correct length, but sure there will be something out there that suits.

 

Wooden Box with Hinged Lid, Rectangular Keepsake Box, Container, Wooden Storage | eBay UK

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Alex,

the longer one might just be suitable: 36.8 cm x 9.8 cm x 8 cm

[Alex A]

It could work Jean, would like to know what wood it is. Also they do say sizes vary.

 

Who knows, this guy could be inundated with orders 

[Lewis B]

13 minutes ago, Alex A said:

It could work Jean, would like to know what wood it is. Also they do say sizes vary.

 

Who knows, this guy could be inundated with orders 

Probably a lightweight wood species like Paulownia or Ho wood

[Mark C]

Here is one I made for a Tanto I no longer have, new owner did not want it.

 

 

Paulownia is fairly difficult to get here in the UK so I made mine from solid Basswood from hobbycraft.

 

Regards

[Alex A]

That looks ideal, Mark, nice job.

 

I'm not one for woodwork, not since school.

[eternal_newbie]

My usual go-to for tanto is the boxes that were used to store kakejiku (hanging scrolls/calligraphy). Aside from being a good size, most of them also have stabilizers inside for the ceramic ends of the scrolls, which also work for the koshirae/shirasaya the tanto is stored in.

[Alex A]

Good idea Rohan. Can those stabilizers be moved or are they glued to the ends or something? 

[Bugyotsuji]

The rests are often lightly glued in place, acting partly as internal strengtheners for the box itself, but these can usually be moved and reglued to support a tanto (in its bag) as necessary.

Ideally the box would also allow the blade in shirasaya (in another bag) to fit in there too.

[eternal_newbie]

58 minutes ago, Bugyotsuji said:

The rests are often lightly glued in place, acting partly as internal strengtheners for the box itself, but these can usually be moved and reglued to support a tanto (in its bag) as necessary.

 

Yep – usually glued fairly lightly as scrolls sometimes need to be remounted, which can change the overall width needed for storage.

[Alex A]

Well, its positive we can come up with something. Was just looking online for folks in the UK that can do Japanese Calligraphy on wood and it seems there are quite a few. Some seem stupidly expensive and others i dont know I just feel the box would need something on it. I do have a box that came with the Sadahito letter opener gift which is really nicely marked, he liked to do the calligraphy and it makes it feel special.

 

Have enquired with the tanto maker to see if anything possible their end, which was kind of an after thought. 

 

Point is, if its special and its going to your son one day, it needs more than just a box, it has to have something on it lol.

 

If anyone knows anyone in UK, let me know.