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Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 9:37 am
by 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.
Re: Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 11:29 am
by Tailgunnerdownunder
The age of these blades always amazes me. Over 400 years? Wow. So do they regrip and re scabbard the blade?
Regards Mark.
Re: Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 11:38 am
by 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:
Re: Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 1:20 pm
by muckaroon1960
Beautiful sword Dave and yes what craftsmanship especially as this was forged and hammered by a master craftsman.
Re: Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 7:20 pm
by fischer
Very nice Dave, congrats on adding this to your collection! It looks amazing for being that old.
Re: Koto Tanto - short sword.
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 5:46 am
by Dave_Holden
Thanks for your comments chaps, you are the guys who have kept our forum afloat - thank you.