Aikuchi style tanto

[Jesus Hernandez]

Aikuchi style tanto made of tamahagane steel. Nagasa (length of cutting edge) 7.5 inches. Overall length 13.5 inches. The hada (steel grain) resembles a raging fire with lighting strikes in the hamon. There is utsuri (mirroring shadow that follows the hamon.) The fittings are made of multiple materials: a carved copper habaki, buffalo horn for the koiguchi, fuchi and kashira. Mokume gane of copper and brass for the menuki. Horn pin and high quality same (manta ray skin) for the wrap. The kojiri is reinforced with cured bamboo. Lacquered saya with gold paint of bamboo design. The red kanji letters read: "Shadow of the Wind."

[David Broadwell]

Jesus, this is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! All of the individual parts are beautiful, but I am fascinated with the blade. The hamon is a work of art by itself. Your lacquer work on the saya is excellent.

Truly beautiful work, Jesus.

David

[jhn cohea]

I agree 100% with David. The words `museum quality' come to mind when looking at this piece, and the hamon is downright stunning!!

[Jesus Hernandez]

Thank you for your comments.

David, I had in mind your carvings when I was making the habaki.

[David Broadwell]

Originally Posted by Jesus Hernandez

David, I had in mind your carvings when I was making the habaki.

Thanks, Jesus. I am honored!

Your habaki is not. . . ordinary. It doesn't stray too far from the usual habakis, but it has more character than most do.

I look forward to some day handling your work and seeing the details in person. I'm sure there are little things in the steel and other components that photographs just won't pick up. In the meantime post more pictures of your work when you can.

David

[Jesus Hernandez]

I sure will, David. As you stated the steel characteristics are much more visible in person. There are activities that the camera won't capture.

[Don Halter]

That is absolutely fantastic!

[Andrew Garrett]

Wow! Great tanto!

[Alberto]

Sublime!!
Albert