Original 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Handmade Ō-Wakizashi Short Sword by KANENOBU with Lacquered Wood Scabbard

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 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. As the blade length is close to that of a Katana, and the blade is the "Shinogi-Zukuri" shape, some would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi". 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 later 19th Century. It was then probably brought back to the US during the WWII era.

Age and wear have completely removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely patina. The tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) is no longer present, and the tagane (chisel marks) are very faint, however the MEI signature is still relatively easy to read. As best we can tell it reads 兼 信 - KANENOBU, indicating that the smith named "Kanenobu" made it. There are numerous smiths under this name that worked during the Edo period, so unfortunately we are not able to identify it any further. The condition of the blade and it having two holes for mountings indicate it was probably made in the 17th or 18th centuries. Definitely a good opportunity for further research!

The blade has the following period correct features:
- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
- Holes (mekugi-ana) in the tang are punched and not drilled.
- Blade is signed by the maker (Mei)
- Visible 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 very good condition, the blade is still EXTREMELY SHARP, so it should be handled with care. The polish is in very good condition, showing just a bit of scuffing wear and a few small spots of oxidation staining, as well as some loss of clarity due to cleaning. The edge is virtually dent free, and the blade aspects are all still easy to see in most kinds of light. Definitely a fantastic condition blade here! It does not look to have seen any significant use since the last polish, just cleaning. The blade length is approximately 21" and overall length 29 ⅛". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Iriyamagata (asymmetrical pointed) 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. Many would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi" as the length is relatively close to a Katana.

The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive GUNOME-MIDARE (互の目乱れ - irregularly undulating) shape, with lots of internal activity. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon, and lots of internal activity. We can see SANAGUSHI and KINSUJI inclusions both within and above the temper line. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (肌 - grain), which is the MOKUME (杢目 - Wood Burl) pattern.

The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with a faint 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. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, both WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits, only possible on true handmade blades. This is really a great looking blade! With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display are definitely in demand.

The tsuba (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (sound) shape, with some embossed leaf designs, which were probably originally gold highlighted. It has a single HITSU-ANA accessory hole for the KOZUKA (kogatana handle), though there is no kogatana knife included. This allows the knife to be taken out without unsheathing the sword. There are two metal seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling, however there were probably more originally, as it does wobble quite a bit at present. The sword has a copper blade collar (habaki), typical of the Edo period.

The fuchi (collar) for the tsuka (handle) is made from blacked copper, and has a lovely gold highlighted DRAGON on the side. The kashira (end cap) is made from horn or composition material, and is plain. There are two menuki grip ornaments, which look to be some type of dog or wolf. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in great shape, showing no cracking or other damage, and the black grip wrapping (Ito) shows some wear and staining from use. 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 gloss black urushi lacquer. The scabbard is relatively unadorned, though it does have a slot for a KOGATANA knife, and there is a KURIKATA knob on the opposite side for the attachment of a sword cord. The scabbard shows light to moderate us, with most of the issues stemming from age. There is some flaking of the lacquer, especially near the scabbard mouth along the side seam.

A very nice service used early Edo Period wakizashi by a known smith with a nice set of period fittings! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 21"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 29 ⅛“
Scabbard Length: 22"

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.