Another strange shape

[Geraint]

Intrigued by the posts in, "What do you call this shape?", I was reminded of a sword with a similar shape to the tanto illustrated. When researching it I came across an association with Satsuma. Anyone have any more information on this?

 

The sword in question is now a wakizashi, the kissaki has almost a bowie knife shape, done very well. At first sight I imagined that someone had done something terrible to it but the more I looked the more it seemed to be a Japanese repair at least. The sword is Koto, 400mms nagasa, 24mm motohaba and 18mm sakihaba. It has a raised shinogi. Itame hada and gunome hamon with lots of activity based in nie.

 

Any thoughts gentlemen?

[cabowen]

It is commonly called "Satsuma-age". It is done to a sword that has lost its boshi- the blade is reshaped by filling down the mune until there is a yakiba in the tip...

[Geraint]

Thanks for confirming that for me Chris. Do you know why it is called Satsuma age?

 

All the best.

[cabowen]

No idea, I can only assume because it was either first seen in Satsuma or commonly done there....Another possibility is that it is seen as a rather crude thing and Satsuma, in some corners, is considered a bit "rustic"....Only guesses. Maybe someone else knows the facts....