Original Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 "side inserted / companion sword") is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana. Here we have a lovely service used example, which we believe was refit during the Late Edo period, and maybe even used during WWII, as indicated by the amount of wear.

This example dates from the early Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. The blade length is around the middle of the range for a wakizashi, so we really wouldn't consider it either a long Ō-Wakizashi close to a katana or short Ko-Wakizashi close to a tanto. This example has probably been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old, with the last time probably occurring in the late 19th Century. It was then probably brought back to the US during the WWII era.

Age and wear have made the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina, with some areas of oxidation scaling. There still is some of the TAGANE-MAKURA (raised area around the mei) present, and the TAGANE (chisel marks) are quite faint, however the MEI signature is still relatively easy to read. As best we can tell it reads 河内守國助, read as KAWACHI NO KAMI KUNISUKE, indicating that the smith named “Kunisuke” made it. The characters before this are honorific titles bestowed for good work to the smith.

Research indicates two smiths used this particular signature was used by two different smiths of the same lineage, the 3rd generation 三代國助 (SANDAI KUNISUKE) and the 4th generation 四代國助 (YONDAI KUNISUKE). In this case the former was the teacher of the latter, and both worked in Settsu Province (摂津国, Settsu no Kuni). Sandai Kunisuke worked during the 1680s, starting during the Tenna (天和) period of 1681 to 1684. Yondai Kunisuke worked from the late 1680s during the Genroku (元禄) period that began in 1688 until the Shōtoku (正徳) period ending in 1716. Both smiths are highly desirable, with Sandai Kunisuke rated 20 by Hawley, ¥3M by Toko Taikan, and Jo saku (Upper Level) by Fujishiro, while Yondai Kunisuke is rated 15 by Hawley, ¥2M by Toko Taikan, and Chu-Jo saku (Middle Upper Level). These are both well above average ratings! Definitely some good research potential with this sword!

The blade has the following period correct features:
- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
- Hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled
- Blade is signed by the maker (Mei)
- Visible vibrant temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge.
- Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip).
- Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Ware (lamination lines) are visible in several areas.

Offered in excellent condition, the blade is still quite sharp and looks fantastic. Overall the polish is excellent, with just a few tiny areas of degradation due to oxidation and scuffing to the surface. With the great polish, the aspects of the temper line are fully visible, showing some great iridescent chatoyancy in the light. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to catch the true beauty of this blade with photographs. It is still EXTREMELY sharp, so care should be taken when handling the blade. There is no damage to the edge that we can see, definitely a rarity.

Blade length is approximately 17 inches and overall length 24 ⅛ inches. This classifies the sword as a wakizashi (Japanese: 脇差, "side inserted [sword]"), which is a shorter version of the Katana, with a blade length between 12 and 24 in. Katanas must be longer than 2 shaku (Japanese: 尺), which is approximately 12 inches in length. It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI (鎬造), meaning the blade has a “SHINOGI” or blade ridge. This is the "standard" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi.

It has a vibrant temper line (刃文- HAMON), which is visible along the entire edge of the blade. The shape is a very attractive TOURAN MIDARE (濤瀾乱れ - irregular high billowing wave) type, which shimmers in the light. There is visible NIE crystallization at the edge of the temper line easily visible, as well as the correct NIOI cloudiness in the hamon. There is a lot of activity within the hamon, and the blade body (JI) also has an ITAME HADA (板目肌 - wood grain pattern) texture which can be early seen in the light.

The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with a clear YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is of the Ō-MARU (大丸- large round turnback) shape, and is fully visible with some great internal activity and a clear transition. We can see some HAKIKAKE (掃掛けBrush Stroke) activity as well. The blade has various KIZU (blade wounds), including WARE , which are lamination seams from the forging process, only possible on traditionally made blades. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

The tsuba (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (sound) shape, without any adornments visible, though there is a single TOMOE (巴) shaped perforation, which looks like a comma. This is an ancient symbol in East Asia, used in the classic "yin and yang" symbol. It has a single Hitsu-ana accessory hole for the Kozuka (kogatana handle). This allows the knife to be taken out without unsheathing the sword, though there is not one included in this setting. There are three brass seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling. The sword has a two piece copper blade collar (habaki), typical of the Edo period.

The fuchi (collar) for the tsuka (handle) is made from blacked copper, and has some textured designs, while the kashira (end cap) is made from the same material, but is relatively plain. There are two gold highlighted brass menuki grip ornaments, which look to be some type of animal like a wolf or dog. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in good shape, with some material missing from the grip on the "left" side. The black grip wrapping (Ito) shows some wear and staining from use as well as fraying. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present which looks to be a recent replacement.

The sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (saya), which is finished with metallic gray URUSHI lacquer, and it looks to be a mid-late 20th century example, custom made to replace a scabbard that had degraded past the point of restoration. The scabbard has a KURIKATA sword knob with a SHITODOME fitting inside, and is alco fitted with a black SAGEO sword cord with gold highlights woven in. It is in excellent condition and fits the sword well.

A fantastic example of an Edo Period wakizashi by a well regarded lineage of smiths in some great fittings. This would make a worthy collection to any Japanese Edged weapon collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 17"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 24 ⅛“
Scabbard Length: 18 ⅝"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.

17th Century

Original Early 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Handmade Wakizashi Short Sword by KUNISUKE with Recent Scabbard & Sageo Cord