Tanto For Review

[BruceP]

Looks fairly new, any idea as to manufacture date?

[USCollect]

It is supposed to be Shinto period, Bizen school and the mounts are supposed to be Hamono school, but I don't know much about these. Thank you for all of your comments!!

[Franco]

It looks like its been kept in a cabinet out of direct sunlight.I would add that those
marks on the tip need to be watched as they could turn into pitting.

[USCollect]

Thank you everyone...any thoughts of age/authnticity? Any ideas where I could get it authnticated, hopefully by an ENglish speaking Japanese school? THANKS AGAIN for looking and comments!

[Bob Coleman]

Thank you everyone...any thoughts of age/authnticity? Any ideas where I could get it authnticated, hopefully by an ENglish speaking Japanese school? THANKS AGAIN for looking and comments!

As to authenticity, it is definitely a Japanese tanto. Any other authenticity would only be if it was signed and a genuine mei. We would need to see the entire blade stripped of it's mounts to even venture a guess as to age. Japanese swords are nearly impossible to judge as to age and quality from photographs.

[USCollect]

Thank you for this. Is something that should be done in hand? Any recommendations as to where to have it checked? Thank you again for your kind comments!

[oldhonda]

The tanto was made in Japan for sure. It is unsigned looking from the only side showing. Is there anything on the other side? I guess not, otherwise, they would show it.

[USCollect]

Hi, yes, it is unsigned so I am guessing it needs to be checked out. Any ideas as to where? Thanks!

[oldhonda]

Hi, yes, it is unsigned so I am guessing it needs to be checked out. Any ideas as to where? Thanks!

If you want to get a formal appraisal, which is called "shinsa" in Japanese, you may ask about it here. Someone may know the details, but I don't.

Shinsa is done by Japanese experts, and for a fee.

[Luis22]

Very Nice Blade seems recently polished ..the nakago doesn't show any rust?? I hope they didn't polish it too,,,

[Bob Coleman]

Very Nice Blade seems recently polished ..the nakago doesn't show any rust?? I hope they didn't polish it too,,,

The nakago looks to be well preserved and not cleaned as the yasurimei or file marks are untouched. Nakago patina is not always a way of determining age. I recall a mid 17th c. wakizashi I should have purchased. It was in it's original shiirasaya and the nakago was in the white as it looked like it had just been forged. After thinking about it, I went back only to find a Japanese dealer had snapped it up.

[USCollect]

Thanks again, guys! I am really grateful for your expertise! Any idea where to get a Shinsa?

[Franco]

You could try contacting your nearest Japanese sword society.If you dont have
one then how about one in California.

[USCollect]

Thanks to all and to Mr. Coleman for the PM recommendation! Thanks!

[charlie1]

I believe the Chicago sword show will have a Shinsa this April 27-29 NTHK NPO group.

Regards
Charlie