The Samurai sword has a very rich history. The sword has been manufactured for several centuries and continues to be produced today. The sword represented more than just a weapon. It was the soul of the Samurai warrior.
When attempting to identify the type of sword you have It is important to keep in mind that the fittings of a sword (scabbard, handle, crossguard. etc.) may be identical from one sword to another. The reason why is because during WWII the same fittings were used in all Army swords, Navy swords, etc. Armed forces are all about uniformity. They strive to make everything the same. This is the reason why a sword cannot be identified merely by its external appearance.
Japanese Samurai Tanto Blade
This is a Japanese edge weapon used during the WWII period. The actual manufacturing date of the Tanto blade dates back to the late 1800's.
Information provided here allows the enthusiast to identify the Japanese edge weapon. In addition, data is provided to map the value of the collectibles over a period of time. This information is brought to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com , a provider of high quality militay collectibles.
The Tanto knife was the smallest blade the Samurai took into combat. The small stature made it ideal for close combat fighting where wielding a large sword is not an option. The same knife was also used for commiting suicide.
The Tanto knife shown on this page is housed in a wooden case. This enclosure was normally used as a transitional housing while the blade waited to be mounted in more proper attire.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
The blade has a beautifully engraved dragon figure. This is a show of workmanship as the dragon is composed of a series of strikes performed by the master. making a mistake here could cause the blade to be thrown away.
The handle of the Tanto has a nicely inlayed white diamond section made from bone. This part frames the hole where the pin is inserted. Removing the pin causes the blade to be separated from the handle.
The texture of the handle is nice and smooth. The coloring is consistent all throughout. A black band is painted at the throat of the scabbard.
The tang has a single hole drilled near the top. This is where the The handle pin passes through in order to secure the blade to the handle. The very end of the tang has a rounded finish.
A single marking is applied to the tang.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
