Recommended combination
Product description
This exceptionally beautiful guard (tsuba) was presumably designed by a great master of the 18th century. The tsuba and other decorations depict gold cherry blossoms (sakura), one of the main symbols of Japanese culture. They symbolize beauty, departure, and transience.
This tanto measures 41 cm in total length (without scabbard), with a 14 cm grip (tsuka) and a 26.5 cm blade. It weighs 400 g. The blade is made from Damascus steel, folded 12 times from 1045 carbon steel with over 8,000 layers, and arrives razor sharp. It features the Shinogi-Zukuri style with a fuller and a crafted blade pattern (hamon). The grip wrapping is made from brown cotton in the classic Hineri-Maki style over genuine shagreen.
A long tang (nakago) locks into the grip via two bamboo pins (mekugi). The tanto also comes with a black high-polish lacquered scabbard (saya) in the Kuroro style, made from wood. It ships with a protective fabric cover and a striking collector's box.
John Lee's models draw inspiration from historical originals and are high-quality weapons. No plastics — only authentic materials like metal, brass, wood, and shagreen. Every John Lee weapon includes a seal and a certificate of authenticity.
