Koto Tanto - short sword.

[Dave_Holden]

Greetings all.

Purchased this sonetime ago, been looking for one for a while, hard to find the quality of this one, beautiful razor sharp blade.

Signed Kanenaga, Muromachi Period, 16th Century, Mino tradition Nagasa.

Thanks for looking.

Dave H.

[Tailgunnerdownunder]

The age of these blades always amazes me. Over 400 years? Wow. So do they regrip and re scabbard the blade?

Regards Mark.

[Dave_Holden]

Hi Mark.

The scabbard here is magnolia wood, traditionally the Japanese used this or ceder wood. Both woods are soft but hard wearing, they used this wood because it would not scratch their blades. The scabbard on mine is original, this is why it took a long time to find a good pair together. I purchased from a specialist, as I just couldent find one that dident have a doubt. You are correct, 400 years is a long time, but the craftsman who made this took his time for sure. It passed the paper test with flying colours :thumbsup:

[muckaroon1960]

Beautiful sword Dave and yes what craftsmanship especially as this was forged and hammered by a master craftsman.

[fischer]

Very nice Dave, congrats on adding this to your collection! It looks amazing for being that old.

[Dave_Holden]

Thanks for your comments chaps, you are the guys who have kept our forum afloat - thank you.