barnejp Posted January 7, 2017 Report Posted January 7, 2017 Hello Everyone, My friend has a blade 23 3/8 cutting edge 1" wide at the habaki and 5/8 wide at the tip. Straight hamon just visible. The nakago appears to have some age and unsigned. Total length 36 3/4" . Question: What is this...doesn't seem to correspond to a wakizashi or katana in length or width? Quote
SwordGuyJoe Posted January 7, 2017 Report Posted January 7, 2017 A katana is two shaku or greater. This equates to 23.8606 inches. At 23.375, your sword is a wakizashi by about a half inch. Quote
barnejp Posted January 7, 2017 Author Report Posted January 7, 2017 Thank you for your reply. Is this length typical of a wakizashi and does the length help in dating the blade? Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted January 7, 2017 Report Posted January 7, 2017 Greg, I have wakizashi ranging from 15" to about the same length as yours, & no, they came in various lengths through the ages. Have you bought any books to study? If not, I suggest that you browse NMB to see the many starter books that have been recommended. Your question on determining age is a very basic one, & it's the sugata (blade shape) that you need to start with. Ken Quote
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