Hand forged tanto from JOHN LEE series

Masterpieces of Asian blacksmithing

- The blades of the swords are hand forged from carbon steel and hardened in the traditional way.

- The blades have been folded 12 times (results in approximately 8,000 layers) and have a beautiful damask structure.

- The sharpened blades received a bo-hi (channel) to reduce weight.

- The handles (Tsuka) are made of wood, covered with real fish skin (Same).

- The wrapper of the handle (Tsuka-Ito) is made of black cotton in the traditional way.

- Menukis are inserted on the handle.

- The shanks of the sword are particularly long and attached to the handle by 2 bamboo pins (Mekugi).

- The sheaths (saya) are made of wood.

- The blade clamps (Habaki) are made of brass.

- Made according to museum models.

JOHN LEE Golden Flower Tanto
The model of this exceptionally beautiful tsuba was certainly made by a great master of the 18th century. As they did not sign their works, unlike bladesmiths, the creators are unfortunately not known by name. The tsuba is sumptuously decorated, with golden cherry blossoms (sakura) one of the most important symbols of Japanese culture. They symbolize beauty, renewal and the ephemeral.

Details :
- Blade material: carbon steel
- Total length: approx. 41cm
- Blade length: approx. 27cm
- Handle length: approx. 14cm
- Blade curvature (Sori): approx. 8mm
- Weight without sheath: 400g
- Weight with sheath: approx. 55gr

JOHN LEE Tanto gold flower

The model of this extraordinarily beautiful tsuba was certainly made by a great master in the 18th century. As they did not sign their work, unlike the bladesmiths, the creators are unfortunately not known by name. The tsuba is intricately designed with golden cherry blossoms (sakura), one of the most important symbols in Japanese culture. They represent beauty, awakening and the ephemeral.