Japanese Tanto

A Paul Chen forged T-10 steel tanto knive with a ribbed buffalo horn tsuka.

This tanto of Paul Chen's hanwei forge is forged in hira-zukuri, meaning that the sides of the tanto have no ridge line and are nearly flat. This kind of tanto were mostly carried by samurai warriors. It was used to commit seppuku which is a ritualized suicide.

The fittings (tsuba - fuchi & kashira)of this tanto are made of iron and does feautre the renowned Tomoe motif. This motive was used frequenly for family crests (Mon) and shrine decoration. The blade is handforged from T-10 steel and is differentially tempered in a traditional way.

The tsuka (handle) on this "Great Wave" tanto is made of attractive black ribbed buffalo horn.The Tanto knive does come with a traditional maintenance kit !