In ancient Japan, what has marked the most history is wars, fights, conflicts, but also the use of atypical weapons. The Japanese are known for their use of weapons such as katana and sword. For this reason, there is a wide variety of these weapons on the market today. Among these many swords, one can find the tantō, which is a favorite for close combat. Behind this weapon lies a rich history and a rigorous ancestral know-how. Are you a collector? Or do you want to know something specific about tantō? So here’s what you need to know about tantō.
History of the Tantō
The tantō is a Japanese short sword that appeared during the Heian era (794-1185). Resembling a miniature katana, it has a slightly curved blade and is single or double-edged. Its structure is similar to the katana, but shorter and generally less curved.
The most common blade sections include hira-zukuri, where the sides of the blade are flat, unokubi-zukuri, characterized by a narrowing on the upper third of the blade to the tip, and kanmuri-otoshizukuri, with a narrowing extending to the tip, sometimes with a sharp counter-edge.
Mainly worn by samurai, the tantō was used as a close combat weapon and was also used during the seppuku ritual. Women often wore a kaiken, a tantō variant hidden in clothing for self-defense.
The presence or absence of guard (tsuba) distinguishes different mounts, such as the buke-zukuri with guard and the refined style sharchi without prominent guard. Today, tantō is recognized for its historical importance and role in traditional Japanese culture.
Cultural significance of Tantō
Having an aunt in your collection is not trivial. Indeed, collectors of ancient weapons appreciate swords like tantô because of their history, specificity and unique characteristics. It is important to note that this weapon is not forged by anyone, which demonstrates meticulous traditional craftsmanship.
In addition, the tantô allows us to remember the rich cultural heritage of the Japanese in terms of armament and war. Acquiring this weapon will make your antique art collection all the more attractive.
The art of forging Japanese swords
To forge the traditional Japanese sands, blacksmiths and experts begin by searching for tamahagane. A quality steel that is renowned for its hardness and durability over time. In addition, it heats the steel to a very high temperature so that it can be shaped. Once the steel is heated, it begins to crush in order to refine and even eliminate imperfections to have a fine tear.
He noted that the more successful this process is, the harder, finer and more effective your aunt will be. After this process and polishing the manufacturers groups the other components like the wrist in order to finish them once all gather some decide to add customized patterns or drawings according to the taste of their customer.
Collect and enjoy Tantō blades
One of the questions most collectors ask is how to make an informed and optimal choice for their tantô. For this, do not be afraid, because there are specific tips to consider so that your selection is relevant and wise.
Check reputation
First, you must trust the manufacturer. If it has a good reputation and is used to making several tantos, this makes it a more affordable and reliable option for your choice. You should also check, especially when buying online, whether the website or sales platform is secure.
When buying online, the first thing to keep in mind is never give your bank details on a site you do not control the authenticity of. If, for example, a site is not secure but you provide your banking information there, you risk being scammed.
Verify license and authenticity
In addition, you must check the licenses of the seller of tantôs. It is important to have a secure site and a good reputation, but it is equally essential to own the license to sell this type of art object. When you visit a site or your seller, check whether the materials used for the design of your tantô are quality and authentic.
Indeed, some unscrupulous sellers may use unsuitable or even unsuitable steel to manufacture the tantô. If you are not familiar with this point, you can call on an expert who will help you make a more informed choice.
Consider your budget
Also take into account the length, shape, design and especially the budget you plan to allocate for this purchase. For example, if you want to spend €1,000, €2,000 or even €10,000, check whether the same weapon features are available at a lower price elsewhere before completing any purchase.
Tantō in popular culture
The appearance of tantôs has taken many forms in our day. We can consider, in the first place, the Japanese films that highlight the culture of this country. In these films, there are weapons such as the katana and tantô, which has encouraged amateurs to collect these weapons and make them works of art.
In addition to movies, we also have anime and manga. These Japanese artistic achievements have conquered the world. And in anime and manga, the weapons used are katanas and tantôs.
The maintenance of a tantô
Maintaining a tantô is not as complicated if you know the tricks. Regular maintenance, in the standards and according to the methods specific to your sword, will allow it to be more resistant, durable and keep its new appearance.
Step 1
Wipe your blade with a dry cloth to remove the old oil. Make sure that the blade’s edge is opposite to your palm to avoid injury. Use a clean cloth at each pass to avoid re-depositing the old oil, which allows for optimal reflection and efficiency.
Step 2
Pat the uchiko polishing powder every 5 cm on both sides of the blade and on its back. Then use a new sheet of rice paper or a soft cloth to remove the powder.
Step 3
Carefully inspect your blade for rust or blemishes. If you notice corrosion, use a polishing gum to clean and prevent the spread of rust. Regular inspection is essential to preserve your artwork.
Step 4
Oil your blade again on all surfaces, both sides and the back. This oil will keep your blade in its original shape and facilitate future cleaning.
Step 5
Make sure the oil is evenly distributed. Never touch the blade with your fingers to avoid injury. Then store your blade in a safe place, out of the reach of children.