Product Overview

This 12-inch Kyo-Zukuri Tanto is not your typical Japanese short sword. It features the rare and aggressive Kyo-zukuri blade profile — a distinctive geometry characterized by its sharp, dramatic curvature and piercing silhouette that sets it apart from standard tanto designs. This profile was historically favored by elite samurai for its intimidating presence and lethal thrusting capability.

Forged from T10 high-carbon tool steel and subjected to the ancient clay tempering (yaki-ire) process, the blade develops a genuine hamon with a beautifully undulating pattern that flows like mountain ridges across the steel. The single-side horimono — a traditional Japanese blade engraving — adds a layer of artistry and spiritual significance that elevates this tanto from a mere replica to a work of functional art.

The blade is finished with an authentic three-color polish (san-shoku togi), a meticulous technique that reveals the steel in three distinct tonal layers: the bright hamon (temper line), the dark ji (body), and the polished shinogi (ridge). The genuine iron tsuba provides authentic weight and historical accuracy, while the hand-wrapped handle and black lacquer saya with decorative sageo complete the traditional presentation. Every piece ships in a premium brocade gift box.

Specifications

Key Features

• ▸ Rare Kyo-Zukuri Blade Profile — Features the distinctive aggressive Kyo-zukuri geometry with a sharp, dramatic curvature and piercing silhouette rarely reproduced in modern swords.
• ▸ T10 High-Carbon Steel with Clay Tempering — Forged from premium T10 steel and differentially hardened using traditional yaki-ire, producing a genuine hamon with a beautifully rolling, undulating pattern.
• ▸ Single-Side Horimono Engraving — Traditional Japanese blade carving (horimono) executed on one side of the blade, adding spiritual significance and artistic value found only on ceremonial and master-grade swords.
• ▸ Authentic Three-Color Polish (San-Shoku Togi) — Meticulous Japanese polishing technique reveals three distinct tonal layers: the bright hamon, the dark ji, and the polished shinogi ridge.
• ▸ Genuine Iron Tsuba — Crafted from real iron rather than zinc alloy, providing authentic historical weight, feel, and the classic dark patina of traditional samurai mountings.
• ▸ Hand-Wrapped Tsuka — The handle is wrapped by hand using traditional cotton cord for an authentic grip, proper ergonomics, and timeless samurai aesthetics.
• ▸ Black Lacquer Saya with Sageo — Solid wood scabbard finished in deep, glossy black Japanese lacquer with a decorative sageo cord for a complete, authentic presentation.
• ▸ Premium Brocade Gift Box — Arrives in an elegant brocade presentation box, making this rare-profile tanto the ultimate gift for the discerning collector.

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