Tanto “Akai Umi”

Discover the “Akai Umi”, or “Red Sea”, a Japanese samurai tanto that embodies the vivid beauty and depth of its namesake. This exceptional knife is handcrafted from T10 steel and features a blade that is both sand-polished and clay-tempered, resulting in a beautiful and distinctive hamon that mirrors the undulating waves of a red sea.

The tanto is encased in a saya made from real hardwood, underscoring its robust and traditional construction. The handle, covered with high-quality simulated ray skin and tightly wrapped in artificial leather, provides a secure and comfortable grip, enhancing both the weapon’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Offered at a competitive price point, the “Akai Umi” stands out with its high-quality craftsmanship and unique appearance, making it an attractive option among lower-priced samurai knives for collectors and practitioners alike.

“To study the way is to study oneself. To study oneself is to forget oneself. To forget oneself means to become one with all existences.”
(Dogen Zenji)

Specifications

• Hand-forged in traditional Japanese style: Yes
• Technical training (Battodo): Yes
• Cutting exercises (tameshigiri): Yes
• Tsuka (handle): Hardwood with simulated ray skin
• Tsuba (sword guard): Zinc
• Fuchi (hilt collar): Zinc
• Kashira (pommel cap): Zinc
• Menuki (handle charms): Zinc
• Ito (handle wrap): Artificial leather, tightly wrapped
• Saya (scabbard): Hardwood, lacquered
• Sageo (scabbard cord): Japanese silk, tightly wrapped
• Total length: 21.65 inches (55 cm)

Blade

• Material: T10 steel
• Clay-tempered (real hamon): Yes
• Practical use (“battle ready”): Yes
• Folded steel: No
• Full-tang: Yes
• Sand-polished: Yes
• Sharpened with Japanese whetstones: No
• Bo-hi (blood groove): Yes
• Blade length: 13 inches (33 cm)
• Blade thickness: 0.276 inches (7 mm)
• Blade width: 1.26 inches (3.2 cm)
• Hardness: 50 – 58 HRC