Newbie with Tanto

[Whitey]

Hi Guys, First post and looking for your input. My uncle was a samurai sword collector who died a little while ago, he left me 4 swords and a mass of swordsmith signatures any light you can shed would be great. I also picked up a tanto that was left to me in a different will so ill start with that. I know from its family history that it was brought back from the Japan's about 1860 to 1870. Any info you guys can shed would be much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

The old lady who owned it, had used it to open letters for the last 40 years.

[John A Stuart]

Please add the name by which you may be addressed please, Mark. John

[Whitey]

Not sure what you mean John?

 

Regards

 

Mark

[John A Stuart]

Ah. but, you got it. John

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Mark,

Odd piece, this. Looks like it has been terribly abused, way over polished, the nakago has been ground or beat on (can't imagine why), and the sugata (shape of the blade) is unnatural (the pronounced negative curvature is weird). Koshirae looks decent enough but I'd expect to find something nicer inside.

Grey

[Whitey]

Hi Grey, Yes it has been beat up, there are file marks all along the blade. I have heard people remark on the curve off the blade as well. Do you think it could of been caused by someone sharpening it on a steel, like you do before you carve your roast dinner. The person who owned it was very ignorent of its history, exept that it was brought back by her decendent Captain Francis Stuart who was an 1800's sea captain.

[Grey Doffin]

Don't think sharpening with a steel could do that. Retemper, maybe? Retempering changes the curvature of a blade, but it is usually the opposite direction.

Grey

[cabowen]

This is a rather crudely made export piece made for tourists in the late 19th century. It is has a poorly done uchizori that may be exaggerated by filing.....