Kogatana (6 1/8")

Product Description for Kogatana (6 1/8")

Maker: Yoshindo Yoshihara (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 3401
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.12 in.
Total length: 9.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.60 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Item weight: 1.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 2.4 oz.
Blade: Tamahagane (jewel steel), extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago
Bolster: Copper habaki (blade color)
Handle: Ho wood handle and saya (sheath)
Description: This small tanto or kogatona is the work of master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara. Yoshihara, who is considered to be among Japan's best living swordsmiths creates masterworks that have a living spirit all of their own. He begins by forging the blade from tamahagane (jewel steel), which is extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago. A mix of steels, arranged for their imperfections as much as their purity results in his unique blades: “The combination of ‘bad’ and ‘good’ steel and superb forging technique is what gives it blade its personality and beauty, just like a human being. A perfect blade has no personality,” says Yoshihara.
The clay temper on the blade results in a clear, gently undulating notareba hamon. The resulting blade is soft and supportive at the spine, with a very hard blade edge. The mune (spine or blade back) is in the marumune style and is gently rounded. The filemark on the nakago (tang) is sujikai, or sloping towards the black of the tang. The tang has been engraved with Mr. Yoshihara's mark.
As you would expect, exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available