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The Art of Koshirae: Exploring Tanto Mountings

The Art of Koshirae: Exploring Tanto Mountings

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Tantō mountings show the skilled Japanese craft of fitting out daggers, which grew more complex from the 800s through the 1500s. Workers used fine metals, shark skin, silk ropes, and...

The Art of Koshirae: Exploring Tanto Mountings

BlckPanda Creative

Tantō mountings show the skilled Japanese craft of fitting out daggers, which grew more complex from the 800s through the 1500s. Workers used fine metals, shark skin, silk ropes, and...

Matching Samurai Swords to Your Practice Style

Matching Samurai Swords to Your Practice Style

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The right samurai sword must match how you plan to train. A katana works best for kendo and iaido training, while the shorter wakizashi fits close fighting. The small tanto...

Matching Samurai Swords to Your Practice Style

BlckPanda Creative

The right samurai sword must match how you plan to train. A katana works best for kendo and iaido training, while the shorter wakizashi fits close fighting. The small tanto...

Tanto Vs Wakizashi: a Tale of Two Blades

Tanto Vs Wakizashi: a Tale of Two Blades

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The tantō and wakizashi are two different Japanese blades, each with its own use in battle. The tantō is a short blade (15-30 cm) from early Japan that works best...

Tanto Vs Wakizashi: a Tale of Two Blades

BlckPanda Creative

The tantō and wakizashi are two different Japanese blades, each with its own use in battle. The tantō is a short blade (15-30 cm) from early Japan that works best...

How to Identify Quality Craftsmanship in a Modern Katana

How to Identify Quality Craftsmanship in a Mode...

BlckPanda Creative

A well-made modern katana shows clear signs of expert work. Look for a wavy line pattern on the blade, which shows the steel was heated and cooled properly. The sword...

How to Identify Quality Craftsmanship in a Mode...

BlckPanda Creative

A well-made modern katana shows clear signs of expert work. Look for a wavy line pattern on the blade, which shows the steel was heated and cooled properly. The sword...

Tanto Through War and Peace: A Weapon’s Journey

Tanto Through War and Peace: A Weapon’s Journey

BlckPanda Creative

The tantō first appeared in Japan’s late Heian period as a fighting knife, growing from a basic blade into a carefully made tool for both war and formal events. Skilled...

Tanto Through War and Peace: A Weapon’s Journey

BlckPanda Creative

The tantō first appeared in Japan’s late Heian period as a fighting knife, growing from a basic blade into a carefully made tool for both war and formal events. Skilled...

How to Start a Samurai Sword Collection on Any Budget

How to Start a Samurai Sword Collection on Any ...

BlckPanda Creative

Starting a samurai sword collection starts with knowing what you want and how much you can spend. New collectors should first learn about basic sword types such as katana, tanto,...

How to Start a Samurai Sword Collection on Any ...

BlckPanda Creative

Starting a samurai sword collection starts with knowing what you want and how much you can spend. New collectors should first learn about basic sword types such as katana, tanto,...