John Lee Shirasaya Or So Much

Discover John Lee Shirasaya O Tanto

John Lee Shirasaya O-Tanto

Hand-forged samurai sword from the John Lee series

The tanto is particularly large and, with its total length of 57 cm, much longer than usual.

Masterpieces of Asian blacksmithing

- The sword blades are hand-forged from carbon steel and traditionally hardened.

- The sharp blades have been provided with a bo-hi (channel) to reduce weight.

- The sword's ribs are extra long and attached to the handle with two bamboo pegs (mekugi). This means the sword can be completely disassembled.

- The blade clamps (habaki) are made of metal.

- The handles and covers (saya) are made of wood.

Shirasaya was a special type of sword stand designed to store the blade more gently and efficiently overnight or when not in use for long periods. The advantage of untreated magnolia wood was its low acid content and the absence of other ingredients that could damage the blade. It wasn't treated afterward; instead, it absorbed the resulting moisture from the sword and directed it to the outside. The tanto remained dry and did not rust.

Shirasaya were often provided with an inscription ('sayagaki') containing information about the blade, such as its origin, place and time of forging, and the name of the smith and expert. Since the Emperor banned the carrying of blades in the late 19th century, all decoration around the handle and tsuba was reduced, creating the shirasaya outfit we know today. The wearer was not particularly noticeable due to the tanto's similarity to a sword or wooden staff, and had the opportunity to carry it with him.

Details:

- Handle length: approx. 21cm

- Blade length: approx. 34 cm

- Total length: (without cover) approx. 55 cm

- Weight: (without case) approx. 480g



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