Z-SEY Osoraku-Zukuri Tanto

This magnificent tanto from Z-Sey has an osoraku zukuri (dramatically elongated kissaki, with the yokote pushed far down the blade) blade forged from folded steel. Differentially heat treated and clay tempered, the resulting gunome (waves) hamon is accentuated through traditional sashikomi polishing. The bohi is paired with a soe-bi (companion groove), both finished in the classical kakinagashi style (tapering to a smooth, gradual point roughly halfway down the tang), decreasing excess weight and improving the tanto’s point of balance. 

This tanto is equipped with an iron kikka gata (chrysanthemum shape) sukashi (openwork) tsuba with radiating spokes. Rooted in East Asian medicine and folklore, the chrysanthemum was believed to have medicinal properties, hence its representation for longevity. Meanwhile, its ability to bloom in late autumn led to its symbolization of resilience. Adopted as the personal crest for Emperor Go-Toba during the Kamakura period, the chrysanthemum has since become the emblem of the Japanese Imperial family. 

The matching brass fuchi and kashira have a stone wall pattern, reminding warriors of strength and stability. Other fittings include blackened brass menuki, as well as copper seppa and copper Yujo style habaki. 

One mekugi secures the nakago to the handmade wooden Haichi style tsuka. White samegawa with a large emperor node serves as the foundational covering while tightly wrapped tsukamaki uses Japanese imported black silk ito. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) additions provide extra support and padding while preventing the ito from slipping, yielding a solid and comfortable grip. 

This tanto comes sheathed in black ishime (stone textured) oil lacquered saya fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri, along with brass shitodome and a black sageo.