Dimensions of a tanto knife for making. How to make or forge a samurai Japanese tanto knife from a simple bolt yourself - step by step instructions with visual illustrations. History of the tanto sword
Article: SUK-TAN-10/13(TBD13-8)
Dimensions:
Blade length: 204 mm
Shank length: 81mm
Total blade length including handle and storage rim ( saya) - 330 mm
The total length of the blade, including the handle and front frame ( kosirae) - 410 mm
Blade width at its widest point - 231 mm
Blade thickness at the thickest point - 6.5 mm
Blade weight - 140 g
The total weight of the blade, including handle and sheath for storage ( saya) - 335 g
Blade bend - 0.04 cm
Signature values on the shank: on the front side - Sukesada(祐定), there is no signature on the reverse side.
Type hada(hardening pattern on the blade steel surface): mokume and masame.
On the front frame kosirae prints of famous artists made using the technique maki-e which makes the design of this decoration unique. Artists put such seals on their works to certify their authenticity.
This tanto in style aikuti belongs to the period edo (1600-1868 ), when the Land of the Rising Sun was ruled shoguns dynasty Tokugawa.
On a 20.4 cm long blade signed ( May) 祐定 Sukesada the time of its manufacture is not indicated; however, can be attributed to the period Shinto("new swords") and tentatively date XVII - XVIII centuries. As for the signature, the name is 祐定 Sukesada can be called "branded". Signature 祐定Sukesada was used by a very significant number of blacksmiths (at least 150) who were active in different historical periods. Most of the blacksmiths who used the name "Sukesada" lived in the province of Bizen, in the village of Osafune. Apparently, this blade is the work of one of the "late" Sukesada, descendants of Yokoyama Toshio Sukesada. This blacksmith was lucky enough to survive the flood of the Yoshii River and the accompanying landslide of the Yokoyama Mountains, which destroyed the village of Osafune in 1591, along with the blacksmiths living there and their families. The descendants of Toshio Sukesada formed several lines of hereditary blacksmiths who also signed their work "Sukesada"; 14 generations of this family are known, active until the beginning of the 20th century. The estimated time of manufacture of this blade: the Edo period, possibly the second half of the 17th - the middle of the 18th century. (?).
This blade is quite consistent with the style of tradition. Bizen-den: forging pattern ( kitae) on the side surface ( jihad) -mokume and masame(pattern of "wood cut" with long longitudinal wavy fibers and characteristic "eyes", resembling traces of knots); hardening line ( jamon) – a combination of patterns choji("cloves") - and gonome(wavy line). The scabbard is covered with black lacquer ( kuro-urushi) painted with gold, red and silver lacquer, with gold foil appliqué and thin mother-of-pearl plates ( aogai). A decorative motif is a variety of cartouches made in the form of seals, demonstrating various forms (images of ancient Chinese incense burners, gourds, circles, rounded squares, etc.), symbols and techniques, with stylized auspicious inscriptions in the archaic ancient Chinese style, made in cinnabar , gold or black varnishes in the technique of relief painting.
Similar images of seals with archaic inscriptions are associated with the so-called. the culture of "educated people" - scribes, experts in ancient Chinese poetry and literature, Confucian philosophy, etc.
The wooden handle is made in the style hanashi menuki(i.e. without braiding with cords) and pasted over with a beautiful grainy same(stingray or shark skin).
Tanto, despite its quite respectable age, is distinguished by a very good state of conservation; at the same time, it has the corresponding signs of a very long existence: a natural gray-brown patina has formed on the shank, the lacquer painting of the scabbard has characteristic abrasions - traces of the existence of an object that retains the “flavor” of a bygone era.
Greetings to all fans to work with metal. I propose to consider the instructions for making a quality knife in the Japanese tanto style. In general, initially such knives were swords, but then the craftsmen liked this form of the blade and began to make knives in this style. Such knives are very convenient for woodworking, they can also be successfully cut and chopped, and some cooks approved this blade profile.
The author decided to make his knife from a file, this metal is strong, can be hardened, the knife will be sharp and durable. The file must be correct, good metal is found only in old samples. At the break, the metal of the file should be of a uniform gray color, and when cutting the core, thick bright sparks should pour. Modern files are made of poor metal, cementing only the outer part. In addition, the manufactured blade must be properly hardened, otherwise the carbon that makes the steel strong may burn out.
Materials and tools used
List of materials:
- an old file;
- wood for the handle;
- epoxy with black dye;
- rope;
- copper tubes and sheet copper;
- deer horn and a thick board (for a stand);
- wood for scabbard;
- wood impregnation oil.
List of tools:
- Bulgarian;
- drill;
- files for metal and wood;
- planer;
- sandpaper;
- a hammer;
- chisels;
- blacksmith's furnace and accessories for forging;
- hacksaw;
- vice;
- a hammer;
- gas-burner;
- clamps;
- polishing paste or fine sandpaper.
Knife making process:
Step one. Production of the main profile
It should be noted right away that it is impossible to process a file by hand just like that, since the steel is hardened and very durable. Here you need either a vacation, or you can simply use forging, as our author did. We heat the metal to a red glow and slowly, using a hammer and anvil, set the desired blade profile. Strongly overheating of the metal should not be, as the alloying element may burn out, and the steel will turn into raw material. Forging is desirable to perform as high quality as possible, so then you will have less time for grinding.
Step two. Let's start sanding
Next, we need to grind the blade to remove all the defects left after forging. To do this, we need files, clamp the blade and process. Of course, the fastest way to do this is with a belt sander. You can now process metal manually, since we released it.
Next, you can use already sandpaper, fixed on a bar. It is useful to wet the paper in water, so it works much more efficiently by cleaning. As a result, we work with the finest sandpaper or on a fine-grained grinding stone. The metal must be brought to an almost perfect state, since further hardening is to be done.
Step three. hardening
We proceed to hardening, since we previously released the metal. To do this, the author coated the blade with a heat-resistant composition so that the alloying elements remained in place. Well, then we warm the blade to a bright red glow and dip it in oil. After that, we check the blade, trying to scratch it with a file. If there are no scratches, excellent, then the steel is hardened. As for such a moment as a vacation, its author did not do it, but it is recommended.
Step four. Bolster and emphasis
On the blade is the so-called bolster or overlay, due to which the sheath is fixed. In addition, this detail has ethical significance, it makes the knife look more beautiful. We make this part from a piece of copper pipe, cut off the desired piece, and then form the desired profile with a hammer. The author welded the ends of the pipe, they can also be soldered. In addition, we need to focus, here we need sheet copper. We cut out the desired workpiece and cut a hole for the profile of the tail of the blade.
Step five. Back and handle
The author makes the basis for the pen from wood. We select a block of hardwood and form the desired profile with a planer. Next, we drill and bore a hole for the knife shank. We form the final profile with files.
Also, the author made a back plate for the pen, so it will last longer, and it looks amazing. The back is made from a piece of copper pipe and a piece of sheet copper. Both parts are welded together with a gas burner, they can also be soldered or glued with epoxy. The author walks along the stop and the butt plate with a hammer, making dents. This gives the impression that the knife is antique, looks beautiful.
Step six. Pin and decorations
An interesting feature of this knife is that the handle is installed without glue, it is held on one carefully fitted pin. But if desired, it can be planted with glue. To begin with, we drill a hole in the place of the handle where the pin will be installed. A brass or copper rod can be used as a pin. Next, as a decoration, we make two “flowers”. The author makes them from sheet copper, the hole needs to be punched, so the flower will be securely fixed. For more details on how such details are made, see the photo.
Step seven. Finishing the handle
The main material of the handle is wood. From above, it is wrapped with a black rope impregnated with glue. The result is a very strong and beautiful handle. For these purposes, we need epoxy and black dye. We wind the rope and soak it well with glue. When the glue dries, we get an excellent resistant coating. The butt is also installed on epoxy. Let the glue dry overnight.
Step eight. Sheath and stand
For a knife we make a scabbard, they are wooden by the author. We take two boards and with the help of a chisel we form a hollow part into which the blade will go. Next, these parts are glued together with epoxy and the desired profile is formed using files and sandpaper. Rougher processing can be carried out with a planer.
The author also decided to make a stand for his masterpiece. Of course, you don't have to do that at all. For these purposes, the author used deer antlers. We select the material for the base, it can be a piece of a thick board. With the help of a chisel, we make a recess in it under the bow of the scabbard. The horns must be fixed so that the knife rests on them. We fasten the horns using epoxy glue, additionally fix the horns with a screw, and so on.
Step nine. Assembling the knife and testing
Polish all parts of the knife. To assemble it, the author did not use glue, everything rests on a pin, which is very precisely adjusted to its location. Thanks to this design, the handle can be quickly disassembled and polished or replaced. If you use brass instead of honey, you can assemble everything with glue, because brass is much more resistant to oxidation.
That's all, now the knife is ready, it remains to sharpen it to the state of a blade and put it in a sheath on a chic stand made of horns. Everything looks amazing. That's all, the project is over, I hope you liked it. Good luck and creative inspiration if you want to repeat. Don't forget to share your
Differences in them - in form and purpose.
What are Tanto combat knives
The original tanto (短刀= tan "short" + too "sword") is a traditional Japanese short knife available to civilians (as opposed to a long katana). National Treasure of Japan. Tanto combat knives are considered edged weapons in all countries. In a safe form (made of plastic, wood, rubber, etc.) it is used in oriental martial arts.
Traditional samurai set - tanto, wakizashi and katana In the European tanto classification:
- in size - a dagger;
- for sharpening - a knife.
In the classical sense, Tanto knives are exactly a sword.
Tanto knife in Japanese is hamono (刃 "blade, blade" + 物 "product, thing"). Despite the fact that both "hamono" and "tanto" have two hieroglyphs, the first is perceived as one word "knife", the second - as a phrase with the keyword "sword".
The second meaning of tanto is a special blade shape for modern knives:
- combat;
- tactical;
- folding, etc.
The thick tip of the tanto is the key to the durability of the knife even with inappropriate use This form has little in common with the classic tanto, but is popular and widely used due to its strength.
Description of the Japanese sword Tanto
Classic tanto should be done like this:
| Parameter | Meaning | Japanese designation |
| Blade shape | slightly curved tip |
 The correct shape of the tanto blade is flat with a slight curvature. |
| flat | ||
| sharpening | unilateral | |
| Blade length | no more than 30.3 cm, otherwise it will turn out wakizashi |
A standard school 30 cm ruler is just 1 exemplary Japanese shaku |
| total length | 35-50 cm | |
| Material | Japanese Sponge Iron Ingot Steel |
 Tanto is made from "diamond steel" - tamahagane |
| Handle | Removable | |
| Bamboo pin |
 If you make mekugi from metal or horn, the sword will be decorative, not combat |
|
| Garda* | Round |
 By tsuba, you can recognize the owner of the blade. The samurai code forbade them jewelry, so they decorated the tsuba. Simple "guards" - the lot of commoners |
*Tsuba was never used by the Japanese to block weapons - only to stop the brush during a stabbing blow.
Parameters of a short knife Tanto
Modern tanto knives differ from the canon in almost all respects:
| Parameter | Traditional tanto sword
|
Modern tanto knife
This kind of American tanto resembles a kitchen knife, but costs 10 times more. |
| Blade shape | slightly curved tip | Straight bevel under 45 o |
| flat | With stiffener | |
| Type of sharpening | unilateral | Single sided or double sided |
| blade length | 17-30.3 cm | 10-30 cm |
| total length | 35-50 cm | 22-50 cm |
| thickness | 5-7 mm | 2,5-7 |
| material | sponge iron steel | A variety of steels, including Damascus |
| Handle | Removable | fixed |
| Attaching the handle to the shank | Bamboo pin | No bamboo studs at all |
| Garda* | Round | Flat, round or none |
The sketch is so detailed that at least take it and make a real Tanto sword yourself
The American tanto took over the sharpening from the katana and added chopped forms. In pursuit of a spectacular appearance, modern knives have acquired serious drawbacks:
However, the point strength of modern tantoids is very high, so sticking them into something hard is much safer - and it will turn out much better than other knives.
Tanto blades in Japanese culture
Tanto blades historically are not a knife, but a sword, therefore, they were most often worn in a sheath:
- for warriors - behind the belt, on the right;
- for women - in a sleeve, a fan or behind an obi belt.
Samurai before the 14th century armed with a pair of swords - daisho ("big-small"):
- Daito ("big tanto sword") - the main one, more than 66 cm.
- Shoto ("small sword") - additional, 33-66 cm.
Sometimes the Japanese tanto sword was used instead of the seto.
A couple of things that distinguished the samurai from ordinary people - a large and small sword. Guess what tanto came from In the 14th century the weapons of the samurai have changed:
- instead of daito - tati, then - katana;
- instead of seto - wakizashi, sometimes - tanto.
The difference between tati and katana is that the first was worn on a leash to the belt, and the second was thrust into the belt Over time, tanto entered the military recruitment on an ongoing basis, the third item. It was regarded precisely as a military weapon, and therefore was used accordingly:
- to finish off the enemy;
- for battle in a cramped room;
- for cutting off heads;
- for suicide (male warriors, women, children);
- for self-defense (merchants, artisans, monks and other travelers).
Now tanto is a cultural heritage.
The only permitted uses:
- wedding ceremonies of the imperial family;
- oriental martial arts.
Types of tanto
In addition to the tanto itself, the short sword at different times had dozens of varieties:
| Title and photo | Difference and purpose |
 The tanto fan has a well-camouflaged scabbard |
Sheath for tanto in the form of a folded fan. Concealed carry:
|
 The most despised tanto by samurai is firearms. |
When sheathed, it looks like a normal tanto. Outside the scabbard is a single-shot pistol. In the 17-18 centuries - as a weapon of self-defense;
|
 Like a spear - but no, yari-tanto |
The blade is exactly like a yari spear:
For armor penetration. It could be worn on a shaft like a spear. Like a second hand weapon |
 Perhaps the hasiwari is the prototype of the Japanese sai weapon. |
|
 Tanto saw not only cuts, but also saws |
On the concave part - saw teeth. Supposedly the ninja made holes in the walls to get into the house. |
 This is what yoroi doshi tanto looked like |
|
 Aikuti ("fitted mouth") was not considered a sword |
Without a guard, without a handle braid, various sizes of tanto, more often short ones. “Civilian version”, for finishing off the enemy, (you can’t finish off the lying one with a sword, a. aikutti, unlike tanto, was not considered a sword) |
 Kubikiri literally means "head cutter" |
More curved, sometimes without a point (or with a weakly pronounced one), the cutting edge is on the inside or on both sides.
|
 Tanto-kens were forged especially for monasteries |
Double-edged blade like a dagger two parallel cutting edges.
|
 Hamidashi feature in the handle, more precisely, in the guard-tsuba of modest size |
The specific form of the guard-tsuba is very small, barely protruding beyond the edge.
|
 Kusungobu - a shortened version of the tanto for hara-kiri |
Ritual, the size of the tanto knife is 29.7 cm. Seppuku or hara-kiri |
 Too crowded for wakizashi? Use the kaiken! |
|
 A kind of tanto with additional sharpening on the concave part |
Double-edged, curved tanto blade for close combat |
 Unokubi is a refined Japanese tanto in the literal sense, as it becomes thinner along the entire length of the percussive part and only the tip and base remain thick |
The back of the blade becomes thinner in the middle, but thickens again towards the tip. End difference:
Perhaps the stronger tip was used for stabbing. Plus, such a weapon is lighter than usual, monolithically thick along the entire length |
 A short Japanese tanto knife with a stiffener is already more like an American tanto |
Stiffener (approximately in the middle) |
Rarer performances of tanto (as well as wakizashi, katana and naginata) are shown in the figure below.
Photo tanto. Different geometries of Japanese bladesHistory of the tanto sword
In Japan, tanto has a long history - up to the present day:
| Production eras | Period | Event |
| Koto, "old swords" | Heian (794 - 1185) | The emergence of tanto. Rough, not artistic |
| war genpei (War of Minamoto and Tairo) |
Tanto was included in the armament of the war:
|
|
| Kamakura | High quality, very artistic, mostly for samurai. The most famous tanto master is Yoshimitsu |
|
| Muromachi | peak production | |
| Mamoyama (1573-1599) | ||
| Shinto, "new swords" | Edo (1600-1868) | At first, production decreased, but Japanese daggers became popular. Then production increased, but the quality dropped. Gradually began to go out of use, turning into a tribute to tradition |
| Shin-Shinto, "new new swords") | ||
| Meiji dynasty (1868-1912) | The second birth is among aristocrats, ninjas and yakuza. Weapons are manufactured industrially |
|
| Gendai, "modern" (1876 - 1945) | Edict of Haytori (1876) | Samurai eliminated The carrying of weapons is prohibited. Tanto is falling into disuse |
| 1940-1945 | Mass production of steel tanta for military purposes | |
| Shinshaku, "The Newest" (after 1945 ) | 1950 - law "On cultural heritage" | Tanto entered the list of traditional weapons that need to be protected and preserved. Exception: steel tantos of the Second World War, forged in haste. They are not considered cultural value and are destroyed so as not to dishonor the national treasure. |
| 1954 | It is allowed to manufacture weapons according to ancient technologies - but only to licensed blacksmiths. Currently, out of 650+ such manufacturers, about half are working |
After the 1950s, nothing interesting about tanto happened in Japan. But thirty years later, the tanto was reincarnated - in America, in the form of a combat knife.
Manufacturing history
In the USA, there was just a mass passion for Japanese martial arts, and knife masters took advantage of this.
| Year | Event | Advertising | Image |
| 1978 | American Chinese Bob Lam creates a knife that looks like a miniature samurai sword, with the Japanese name - tanto. |  |
|
| 1979 | Individual blacksmiths picked up the style. Due to the high demand, the production of tanto has been put on stream. | Increase in tanto models on the market. | |
| 1980 | Phil Hutsfield promotes a simplified version of the tanto - with a rough chisel sharpening and a simple handle (sometimes the shank was simply wrapped with long laces soaked in epoxy). | Master swordsman Obata Toshiro cuts rice straw mats (tatami omote). Navy SEALs order tantos from Phil Hutsfield (and get them for half price). |
 |
| 1981 | Ernest Emerson designs and mass-produces folding tantos. | Again, for the SEALs. On the knife - a lot of trendy attributes, including a retainer and a clip. |
 |
| 1982 | Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel is mass-producing tantos, both regular and folding. | Punches several times in a row a car door, aircraft skin, metal barrels. Experiencing lethality on a Mexican pig farm. Forms a myth about special strength and penetration. |
 |
Itoh Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:18
So...
Replica of Senri Norihasa's tanto.
Hiro-zukuri, makuri-gitae structure (soft core wrapped in hard steel).
Tosin 320 mm (full blade length)
Kami (blade) 252/25/6 mm.
Sori deflection 0 mm.
Futsu-gata nakago with kuri-jiri base, notch yasuri-me kesho (a kind of front door).
Mune-hikushi butt.
Hamon notare.
Jihada ITAME.
Itoh Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:25
About Japanese names.
In previous works, I gave explanations for all the names, if anyone is interested, you can take a look, for reference. Or look at some Japanese terminology, again, if you're interested.
TANTO IN ONE DAY...
It took 8 hours to make this blade FROM and TO.
Itoh Matsumoto 02-08-2012 21:27
First, we collect tategane from pieces of pre-prepared steel (steel with 0.8% C is saturated with nitrogen and carbon). We fix the pieces with electric welding.
We weld the package. We add (1 addition = the number of layers increases by 2 times) the package 16 times. And we get about 40,000 layers.
We stretch the package and get a rectangular bar. We chop this bar along (we make a recess) and insert a piece of iron (steel 20) there.
We weld. We forge a blank - a strip of suguha, a blade will be formed from it.
Now only hand forging. We forge a blade.
ALL...
This tanto required time from 10 am to 6 pm.
Kiisa 02-08-2012 21:33
Impressive blade!
But the question is, how do the Japanese determine the quality of the blade? Here we have, with a hunting knife, I sanded / dismantled two elks - very well. And how many adversaries do the Japanese need to lime in order for the blade to be recognized as good?
------------------
Albion delenda est.BR
Shalim 02-08-2012 22:22
quote: We heat it up to the desired temperature and immerse it in water.
Denis, hi. Everything is great. Current to what desired temperature? I understand that in the forge everything is by eye, I myself so kal. Do you heat for hardening like regular carbon? Or is there some trick?
And another question. What are you smearing? I tried "KARAT" ohm, but when lowered into water or oil, the coating flies off all.
sd pskov 02-08-2012 22:36
very cool and interesting, and understandable now)
dnk 02-08-2012 22:38
I am a supporter of Sir Don Fog's sanding technique: sandpaper and laps.
what about sandpaper? Or is it all on it?
Itoh Matsumoto 02-08-2012 22:40
The temperature depends on the steel. The coating is a conventional high-temperature sealant for ovens. It also depends on the geometry of the blade, the degree of shrinkage of the steel - how much more it will drag, the thickness of the coating layer ... There are many nuances. It's long and tedious to describe everything here ... I'll explain it somehow easier in a personal meeting. Perhaps I can escape to Moscow in early September - things appear there, but it would be better to agree in advance - too many people want to meet ...
Let's get in touch closer...
Shalim 02-08-2012 22:42
quote: Let's get in touch closer...
OK. I'll throw off the phone in a personal.
Itoh Matsumoto 02-08-2012 22:44
quote: what about sandpaper? Or is it all on it?
Everything... And everyone knows this. My grinding ends with a maximum of 2500 sandpaper - then by yourself - if anyone wishes. Or you can immediately agree and the polishing will be done by professionals ... All the charm, of course, cannot be revealed in my way, but ...
By the way, on the offer...
dnk 02-08-2012 22:47
quote: Originally posted by Itō Matsumoto:
How about osoraku-zukuri-tanto with a total size of 300-330 mm. What should be the grinding stage.
What a practical
Okay, do as usual, and then I'll continue.
Itoh Matsumoto 03-08-2012 05:42
Va-78 03-08-2012 12:21
The wedge turned out very well.
A couple of points: for a length of ~ 25 cm, you can safely set 8 mm. at the base;
and give the wedge at least a piece of normal polishing in order to really see what happened with the temper, i.e. what elements are distinguishable.
dnk 03-08-2012 12:48
quote: A couple of points: for a length of ~ 25 cm, you can safely set 8 mm
You can safely bet on shorter ones. Next week, if everything goes well, I'll show you a few Japanese tanto blades. If their owner allows it.)) Tanto blades with a thickness of 4 mm and thinner in mune-machi are the result of several repolishing. Except for wide blades.
riff 03-08-2012 13:08
quote: adversaries need to be lime so that the blade is recognized as good?
It is enough to chop the mother-in-law into sixty-four slices!
dnk 03-08-2012 13:22
quote: Originally posted by Kiisa:
But the question is, how do the Japanese determine the quality of the blade?
Tests, if we talk about historical weapons. Up to tests on corpses. Life and battle. They fought a lot before the Edo period. The beauty of hada and yakiba with jamon, which spoke about the quality of the blade.
Stingy 03-08-2012 13:38
Really like! Like previous...
Va-78 03-08-2012 13:41
quote: You can safely bet on shorter ones.
yes, but here I look from a practical / fencing point of view. Wielding a large tanto against a katana, if we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to deliver a chopping blow to the wrists (kote-giri / kote-uchi), then we are forced to work more selectively with the distance to reach the tsuki. Those. the variability of the use of the sword is reduced. Well, in parries, a bit of mass does not hurt.
and on shorter ones (15-19 cm.) this thickness is just "pleasant".
Va-78 03-08-2012 13:44
By the way - such blades as the last few - they are no longer ashamed to sign. If you want of course. The main thing is not to screw up the signature.)
Va-78 03-08-2012 14:13
one more thing I thought: well, Ito-kun is now riveting blades. The blades are good, I think the people who are interested will sniff out - and who will sculpt frames for them all? Though simple, but correct shirasai are at least needed.
Those. perhaps it is worth looking for reasonable cooperation. I really don’t know who we do without brutal show-offs.
dnk 03-08-2012 14:22
The blade is not XO.
Equipped Blade - XO. In addition to having a certificate of KC (cultural value), the conclusion of the EKC is household or with an obscene absence of a cutting edge.
Well, admit it, who does XO?))
Va-78 03-08-2012 15:12
quote: Equipped Blade - XO.
Well, if strictly "academic", then the sirasaya is not a "frame" but a "pencil case, box".
Well, nobody canceled the general guests - in aiguti you can dress non-coldly, choosing the proportions.
dnk 03-08-2012 15:16
I recently (two days ago) showed a naked blade to a police officer - I heard - XO!
He also told him about the guests.
Academically it is not necessary, it is necessary practically. Or score on everything, at your own peril and risk, but personally I am law-abiding.
There are relevant articles for any product, if you don’t want problems, draw up papers.
Va-78 03-08-2012 15:42
quote: I personally am law-abiding
I also don’t do XO in principle, but what the law allows - sorry, move over as they say. The illiteracy of SM is not a reason for me.
If it really bakes, you can go and get a piece of paper. Corruption, of course, but here you are doing something from the category of "shop".
quote: Academically it is not necessary, it is necessary practically.
But in practice, you still need to convey to the experts a bright idea about the non-belonging of blades! Genuine shirasai to CW.
After all, there are dynamic tests that will clearly demonstrate that two boards glued together with rice glue are unsuitable for repeated powerful blows with a blade.
or play on the bend. Is it a little...
dnk 03-08-2012 16:01
And people want not shirasai, but kosirae.
Itoh Matsumoto 03-08-2012 20:26
All latest tanto blades - one customer. Further polishing and clothes will be carried out at his place.
I will sign - but for now I am training to write correctly and clearly. Learning English is still all right, but now also Japanese ... a little stressful. The brain still does not perceive the flow of information properly, it has not gained inertia.
Va-78 05-08-2012 13:37
quote: All latest tanto blades - one customer.
pancake... By the way it would be possible and to warn.
quote: And yet, for order and understanding: hav mach +/-.
dnk 05-08-2012 14:33
quote: It's ugly to scold such things - like breaking up earnings.
It doesn't matter that there is nothing to scold here - in principle, it is ugly. ((
Absolutely disagree.
Laid out - be prepared for criticism. Here it is necessary simply to separate criticism from criticism. Criticism is constructive, reasoned, competent - for the benefit of all. But, there are people who perceive it painfully, and this is understandable, everyone has pride)).
Critics - you can safely ignore)).
Earnings by a person who practices hard will not pass)).
Itoh Matsumoto 05-08-2012 18:36
If I was afraid of criticism, I would not post it here ...
My earnings from this criticism do not break ...
Maybe after 10 years of hard practice I will be able to do something more intelligible and correct. Although my interests are not limited to Japan itself.
It is believed that the tanto knife, katana and wakizashi are the same type of bladed weapon of different lengths, but is it really so? The European classification refers this weapon to daggers, but the Japanese do not agree with this opinion and consider it a full-fledged sword. In Japanese, tan-to means short sword. In the old days, this weapon was part of the standard samurai weapons along with the famous katana. Its dimensions are much smaller than the katana, but in terms of lethality, the short blade is in no way inferior.
The hallmark of Japanese swords has always been a one-sided cutting edge. Therefore, it is not correct to attribute the tanto blade to a dagger, since the blade of daggers is double-edged.
History of the small sword
The history of the Japanese tanto fell on different eras, the shoguns of which had opposing opinions about the effectiveness of this blade. During the confrontation between the Taira and Minamoto clans, the knife-sword began to be seen not only as an effective weapon, but also as a work of art. By the end of the Heian era, the warrior's weapons consisted of the naginata, katana, tan-to, and bow.
It all started from Heian 794 to 1185, when this blade was made without decorations and served a purely practical role. In the era of Gempei, the heyday of the samurai began, as an estate on which the shoguns relied. The need for additional blades was very high, so the manufacture of tanto became a tradition. Along with the katana for each samurai, gunsmiths also made a short sword.
Blacksmiths made beautiful patterns and insignia on each blade. From 1185 to 1333, during the Kamakura era, the quality of steel improved, because the blades were much stronger than their older counterparts. Kamakura became a city with a samurai government whose power extended throughout Japan.
More and more craftsmen appeared who performed skillful carving, as the short sword became not only a necessary weapon, but also the subject of a samurai aesthetic. During the Moromachi era, from 1336 to 1573, the production of these weapons reached its peak.
The tanto knife was worn not only by samurai, it also firmly entered the armament of other classes.
Everything changed in the Shinto era, from 1603 to 1780, it became the time of new swords and armor, tanto swords were no longer included in the improved armament. Its release was almost completely discontinued, until better times.
They resumed production during the closed period, from 1703 to 1853. Swords began to be produced again in large quantities, but the weapons themselves and their style had already changed. Unlike all previously released blades, tan-to made at this time are of lower quality steel.
In the Meiji era, Japan returned to its old traditions. Active trade and cooperation with other countries began. Short swords came back into fashion, but in 1876 a decree was issued that forbade the wearing of a blade on city streets. Due to the introduction of new types of weapons, the pistol replaced the tanto weapon.
As can be seen from the above information, a short sword knife has undergone many ups and downs in the history of its existence, but it has not disappeared without a trace, like other examples of Japanese weapons.
Manufacturing methods
Japanese blacksmiths used spongy iron (tamahagane) to make tanto blades. In this case, the blade had to have a hardening line (hamon) and be equipped with a removable handle, which was attached with a bamboo hairpin (menuki).
A round guard (tsuba) of a removable type was used as a limiter for safe striking.
For safe carrying, tanto sheaths were made, thanks to which the owner did not risk losing it.
The manufacturing process is similar to the creation of a katana or wakizashi. The hira-zukuri method was used. This means that tanto combat knives did not have stiffeners, although there were exceptions. History knows the Japanese Moroha-zukuri blade - a sword sharpened on both sides. To break through the armor of the eroidoshi, a weapon with a thick triangular blade was used.
Throughout the world, Japanese swords were famous for their durability, and it was achieved through a specific method of heat treatment of the blade. With this technology, the blade acquired a special pattern, which testified to the painstaking work of the master. Most of the blanks did not become combat blades due to the specifics of the steel hardening process.
Application in contact with the enemy
Some skeptics believe that such a short weapon is useless, since the samurai had a katana and a short sword - wakizashi. So what is a tanto knife for? Its main tasks were:
- tanto - weapon of "last chance";
- finishing off the enemy;
- concealed carrying of edged weapons if necessary;
- killing a prisoner with "honor";
- self defense.
Short weapons were carried with them not only by samurai, but also by civilians. It was used by women and even children. According to samurai traditions, in order not to be captured by the enemy and not to lose honor, it was necessary to commit suicide - seppuku. In Japan, a case is known when the family of Fushimi Castle committed suicide.
Cultural heritage of tanto
In the 21st century, the tanto dagger is the cultural heritage of the Japanese people. The state carefully controls the manufacture and sale of these weapons. To obtain a manufacturing license, you need to be a high-level professional.
There are three hundred such masters in all of Japan. Also, ancient finds are subject to licensing. Only in this way they receive the status of cultural heritage. During the Second World War, many similar sword knives were made, but they must be disposed of.
Japanese exotic weapons have become popular, the cinema has actively contributed to this. So a tanto-style knife appeared on the market, but American-made. According to the characteristics, it has little in common with the original Japanese sword.
The quality of products depends directly on the manufacturer and the price segment of the product.
Why do you need a tanto knife in the modern world? Collectors and simple amateurs appreciate them for their aesthetic appearance. Such blades are most interesting as exhibits at exhibitions dedicated to Japanese weapons and the era of the samurai, so visitors crowd around the exhibition stands, admiring the elegance and lethality of the “weapons of last chance”.
Video