Tanto from Japan

[katonk66]

I finally received my tanto from Japan. Lovely nihontou, but I just have a question: Why is it so small, especially the width? (L-in inches, width in c.m.)

[John C]

I don't think the length is an issue. Not very wide but could have been made for a lady??? 

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

Because the smith made it that way, and because you bought it that way.

 

But then why or for what purpose did he make such a small Tanto? Hmmm... they came in all sizes. 

 

(How does your u-no-kubi blade length work out in centimeters?)

 

[katonk66]

  On 3/8/2024 at 1:20 AM, Bugyotsuji said:

Because the smith made it that way, and because you bought it that way.

 

But then why or for what purpose did he make such a small Tanto? Hmmm... they came in all sizes. 

 

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Sorry, i'm a novice at tanto collecting. That's why I asked.

[Bugyotsuji]

It's a good question to stir the old brain cells, Henry. I had to ask myself, would a lady fancy such a shape? But no answer came. I'd be interested to hear other people's thoughts.

 

I have a tanto which lacks a kurikata sageo cord bridge. A collector friend said "Oh, this makes it for a lady." Another collector friend said, "No, not necessarily." I am still learning.

[Bugyotsuji]

For example, we can find ladies in kimono wearing tanto decoratively at the kimono foldover.

 

Such a tanto could be used for self-defense, or more likely, as Stephen suggests, for suicide to prevent desecration and protect virtue.

 

(But is this one designed for a woman? And in the case of defensive attack or suicide, I can imagine a lady using anything to hand, e.g. that of a retainer, or even her husband's blade.)

[John C]

I was just throwing out the idea of it being for a lady but as you note, that's probably wrong.

What about something simple like the smith didn't have enough steel to make a thicker blade? Could be any number of reasons.

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

LOL!  ..................................... where is Stephen by the way? I can feel his eyes on this thread. 

[Baka Gaijin]

Was it originally in this Koshirae or in a fan perhaps?

 

The eyes have it............... 

[Bugyotsuji]

  On 3/8/2024 at 5:41 AM, Baka Gaijin said:

Was it originally in this Koshirae or in a fan perhaps?

 

The eyes have it............... 

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Yes, it could be a perfect shape for skulduggery.

[Franco]

  On 3/7/2024 at 11:04 PM, katonk66 said:

Why is it so small, especially the width? (L-in inches, width in c.m.)

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Many blades are copies of earlier styles. Study the history. Time to build that nihonto library. 

 

https://studyingjapa...tag/kannmuri-otoshi/

 

Regards,

[Baka Gaijin]

"Yes, it could be a perfect shape for skulduggery."

 

I've come across the term "Hiden Buki" in respect of weapons concealed in everyday objects.

 

There are a number of Koryū who have this within their tradition, notably Hōten-ryū (法典流)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hōten-ryū

[DoTanuki yokai]

 

This thing has nearly the same dimensions and I tried to replicate the kamakura Tanto shape.