John Lee Shirasaya O-Tanto
This Tanto is particularly long. With a total length of 57 cm, it significantly exceeds the usual size.
- The sword blades are hand-forged from high-carbon steel
- Sharpened blades have Bo-Hi (fuller) grooves to reduce weight.
- The handles are particularly long and are attached to the hilt with two bamboo pegs (Mekugi). The swords can thus be completely disassembled.
- Blade necklaces (Habaki) are made of metal.
- The handles and scabbard (Saya) are made of wood.
The Shirasaya was a special sword holder designed to ensure better preservation of the blade at night or in case of prolonged non-use. The advantage of untreated magnolia wood lies in its low acidity and the absence of other substances that could damage the blade. It was not subsequently treated, it absorbed the moisture of the sword and channeled it. The tanto remained dry and rust-free.
Shirasaya often had a signature ('Sayagaki') with information about the origin of the blade, such as the place and time of forging as well as the name of the swordsmith and appraiser. As the Emperor banned the carrying of edged weapons until the end of the 19th century, the decorations and fittings around the hilt and tsuba were trimmed, giving rise to the Shirasaya design as we know it today. The resemblance of this Tanto to a wooden sword or staff would have allowed its owner to remain unnoticed and carry it around with them.
- Handle length: approx. 21 cm
- Blade length: approx. 34 cm
- Total length (without cover): approx. 55 cm
- Weight (without packaging): approx. 480 g
