AnssiH

Nice to see there's interest towards my tanto Ken-Hawaii, I copied the pictures also to Google Photos which will allow you to see the pictures without downloading the full resolution ones: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqWshg8YEDfZ6q5r7 I'll add this link to the OP as soon as I figure out how to edit it For maximum zoomability, the full resolution ones are still in Dropbox. I appreciate all the comments regarding its origin, because I can't read the papers myself. I've been told it's Shinshinto a few times by more knowledgeable people. I've been told that it's - possibly - been originally made as an ornamental piece to a dress or a uniform of some sort. All discussion and observations are welcome by me; don't mind knowing more about it myself Best regards, -Anssi

I'm selling this 160 years old antique tanto. I bought it 10 years ago from Kuraya Hashimoto in Kyoto (http://kyotokyoto.jp/shop/sc010/index.html). I have all the original receipts. More pictures in here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mdlj6rvebqvc2h9/AABsd6AWIC5dsBMsWG5kGm-Sa?dl=0 I have taken good care for it all this time and it's in excellent condition. But I haven't really had anywhere to display it for the past few years. Will include a care taking kit, a stand, and a little ornamental pouch as seen in one of the pictures. As a price indication, well, I paid about 2000e for the whole set, including import & tax fees. But feel free to make an offer or ask for more info. Been selling this thing locally for quite some time now so could let it go for a bit less possibly... Well, you can PM me or e-mail me direct at anssi.hyytiainen@saunalahti.fi. -Anssi

Okay, thanks guys. I don't have means to measure the humidity level right now but it can indeed get a bit dry over here during the winter, so that could be the problem, will have to look into that. I also have spotlights on the ceiling and one was pointing towards the shelf where the tanto is, so I turned that away as well. Is there anything I can or should do now that little pieces have already chipped off or about to chip off (there are few cracks)? -AnssiH

Hello. Little over a year ago I visited Japan, and purchased an antique tanto, some 150 years old (paid ~1700e = $2500). I haven't touched it other than to clean and re-oil the blade (with the proper caretaking tools that I purchased along with the tanto) Tonight as I re-oiled the blade, little piece of the black lacquer(?) finish chipped off of the scabbard. I looked closer and the finish is about to chip off both from the handle and the scabbard near the mouth. It looks like it is drying out, so much so that it's difficult to take the tanto out of the scabbard without causing another chip to fall off. I am not completely sure if it was just about to chip off all along though as I have been handling the piece quite carefully; it could be I've just managed to keep it together until now. I do not know much about Japanese antique swords, and actually I do not know if the scabbard and handle are also supposed to be 150 years old (would that even be possible?), and if they have much value or not. But either way it is a shame because the scabbard was in a very good shape, so I would like to know if there's anything I can do about that. If you guys need to see pictures, I can arrange them at some point. Thanks in advance! -Anssi H