Running Tiger Engraved Kogatana

Product Description for Running Tiger Engraved Kogatana

Maker: Yoshindo Yoshihara (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 88324
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.30 in.
Total length: 9.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.63 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.10 in.
Item weight: 1.90 oz.
Blade: Tamahagane (jewel steel), extracted from iron sand using techniques developed over 1500 years ago
Bolster: Shyaku Dou habaki (blade collar)
Handle: Ho wood handle and saya (sheath)
Sheath: Ho wood saya is inscribed with "Tiger will run 1000 miles in a moment"
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 gunome hamon. The consequence of this is a blade which is soft and supportive at the spine, with a very hard edge. Yoshihara used traditional engraving methods to ornament the blade with his own design of a tiger. The engraving shows tremendous attention to detail and a rare sense of dimension.
A Shyaku Dou habaki (an alloy of gold (5%) and copper) protects the blade from scratches that could otherwise be caused when inserting the kogatana into the saya (sheath). The tang has been engraved with Mr. Yoshihara's mark.
As you would expect, this kogatana has a truly exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available