New Sword Purchase

[Ukigumo]

This is the accompanying kowakizashi (short short sword). I personally would call it a tantō (dagger)

 

[Ukigumo]

The blade's shape style is known as 'hira zukuri' or flat. This is the usual form for tantō and some wakizashi. You can see the grain on the blade and it is different to the katana's

 

[Ukigumo]

The tsuka is wrapped with ray skin and you can see the large 'emperor node' (oyatsubu) and gradually dimidhing one's. They are highly prized with only one per ray.

 

[Ukigumo]

The hilt ornaments are antique depicting a maple leaf.

 

[Ukigumo]

The grain here is 'straight wood grain' (masame)…

 

[Ukigumo]

 

[Ukigumo]

The hamon is a gentle wave (notare)

 

[Ukigumo]

 

[Ukigumo]

My friend, from who I bought the two swords (even a dagger is generally known as a 'sword') took both swords along to a 'shinsa' (inspection/examination/review). Surprisingly, the experts were particularly enamored by the tantō. They suggested it's subdued elegance and perfect steel we're very special. It is lovely and feels substantial and well balanced in the hand. The ray skin gives it a lot of grip; it's like rough sandpaper!

 

[mdchachi]

Have you properly registered these with the authorities?

 

[Ukigumo]

There's no such requirement in the UK!