Tanto – T10 Clay-Tempered Blade with Aikuchi Karinh Wood Mount | Matsumoto Edition

【Overview】

This tanto features a minimalist aikuchi-style design paired with a traditionally clay-tempered T10 steel blade and premium karinh hardwood mountings. Focused on material quality and functional elegance, it delivers a calm yet authoritative presence suitable for both use and display.

【Blade & Craftsmanship】

The blade is hand-forged from high-hardness T10 carbon steel and clay tempered using traditional techniques to achieve strength, edge stability, and a visible natural hamon. A bo-hi (fuller) reduces overall weight, while careful hand polishing produces a sharp, clean cutting edge.

【Design & Mountings】

This model adopts a simplified aikuchi-style construction, eliminating bulky fittings such as a prominent tsuba. The seamless transition between handle and saya creates a refined, modern silhouette while preserving classical Japanese aesthetics.

【Handle & Saya】

Both the handle and saya are crafted from premium karinh wood (Chinese quince), valued for its hardness and rich reddish grain. Finished without heavy surface coatings, the natural texture, warmth, and luster of the wood are fully preserved.

【Performance】

The blade delivers excellent sharpness, capable of cleanly cutting plastic bottles and tatami targets. T10 steel provides high rigidity and reliable cutting performance in a compact tanto form.

【Specifications】

Overall length: 48 cm (18.9 in)

Blade length: 33 cm (13.0 in)

Handle length: 16 cm (6.3 in)

Blade width: 3.0 cm (1.18 in)

Blade thickness: 0.6 cm (0.24 in)

Total weight: 0.8 kg (1.76 lb)

Net weight: 0.6 kg (1.32 lb)

【Usage & Gift】

Ideal for collectors, martial arts practice, interior display, self-defense training, and tasteful gift-giving. A refined tanto that emphasizes materials, balance, and understated craftsmanship.