Bushido Tanto, Hanwei, SH1212, Folded K120C Steel

Bushido Tanto, Hanwei, SH1212, Folded K120C Steel

In samurai culture, the tanto was more than just a dagger. It was a constant companion, worn even in private, where longer swords had to be set aside. It served as a tool for self-defence, but also as a status symbol and, in extreme cases, for ritual suicide (seppuku). The Bushido Tanto by Hanwei honours this tradition in every detail and represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. It is a fully functional and extremely sharp tool.

Detailed Koshirae (Fittings)

• Blade: Hand-forged and folded from premium K120C powder steel. This process ensures high material purity, excellent edge retention, and a visible folding pattern (hada). The blade is hardened and honed to an exceptional sharpness.
• Handle (Tsuka): The unique feature of this tanto. It is crafted entirely from brass, which is gold-plated and adorned with a detailed relief decoration, likely matching the battle themes of the katana and wakizashi. This style, lacking a guard (tsuba), is known as aikuchi.
• Habaki (Blade Collar): Made from a single piece of solid brass.
• Saya (Scabbard): Wooden, with a deep brown lacquer. It is elegantly decorated with inlaid brass cherry (sakura) blossoms.
• Sageo (Cord): Woven from premium Japanese cotton in a matching brown colour.
• Saya Fittings: The kojiri (scabbard tip), koiguchi (scabbard mouth), and kurikata (knob for sageo) are all made from polished buffalo horn.

Specifications

Specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece due to the handmade nature.

Safe Use Guidelines

This tanto is a high-end collector's item and a fully functional cutting tool. The blade is extremely sharp (razor-honed) and must be handled with the utmost caution. It is not a toy.

WARNING: Extremely Sharp Blade!

• Always handle the knife with maximum respect. It can cause severe or fatal injury.
• This knife is not intended for stage combat, contact sparring, or cutting at hard objects.
• It is intended for collection purposes, kata (forms) practice, and potential test cutting (tameshigiri) on appropriate soft materials.
• Keep the tanto securely stored and out of the reach of children and unauthorised persons.
• Use is strictly at your own risk. Neither the seller nor the manufacturer is liable for damages or injuries caused by improper use.

Tanto Care

The blade, made from high-carbon K120C folded steel, is susceptible to rust. To maintain its beauty and function, regular maintenance is essential.

• After every use, and even after every touch with a bare hand, wipe the blade immediately with a clean, soft cloth to remove moisture and fingerprints.
• Subsequently, apply a very thin layer of sword oil (e.g., Choji or Hanwei oil) to the blade.
• Wipe the gold-plated handle with a dry, soft cloth only. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Don'ts: Do not leave the knife in a damp environment. Never cut at hard materials.

Companion Products

This tanto is part of the prestigious "Bushido" collection. To create the complete daishō set (or in this case, a sanshō - trio), we recommend purchasing the matching Bushido Katana (SH1210) and Bushido Wakizashi (SH1211). For perfect care, don't forget to get a Japanese Sword Maintenance Kit (OH2105).