Letter Opener?

[Bruce Pennington]

Got this as a gift from a very kind book-seller.  Previous owner didn't know what it was, either.  I'm guessing a tourist souvenir or creative letter opener.   Nakago looks new'ish and squared  Really nice little shirasaya, so nicely done if a letter opener.

 

nagasa - 5 1/2"

full length - 8 1/2"

 

[John A Stuart]

Looks like a tosu to me. Age? Any time up until now. John

[Bruce Pennington]

  On 11/12/2021 at 4:25 AM, John A Stuart said:

tosu

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Thanks John.  When I google that word all I get is a city in Japan or the word “toss.”

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Bruce, a Tousu 刀子 is a term for a small knife.

 

Letter opener is a good call.

 

Try searching with the elongated o -  Hence Tousu

 

https://www.japandict.com/刀子

 

[Bugyotsuji]

See the smaller blades thread, Bruce.

 

[FZ1]

What a superb gift - you must have bought a LOT of books Bruce!

 

Jon

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks guys!  Piers, I just read through your Small Blade thread and see what you mean.  I've added this one for comment.

  On 11/12/2021 at 12:28 PM, FZ1 said:

What a superb gift

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Jon, yes, it was quite unexpected.  I'd say who it was, but don't want to set such a high bar for his future customers! Very kind thing to do!