Japanese Taisho or Showa period tanto. This tanto is hand forged and water tempered by a Gendaitosmith named Yorimasa and is signed as such on its tang. It has been assumed that Yorimasa ran a smithy prior to the outbreak of WWII and that he catered to making tanto for westerners. This is due to numerous extant examples having westerners name written in katakana style kanji on the reverse tip of the blades scabbard. Katakana writing has developed in order for Japanese speaking people to be able to pronounce a western name properly. This blade measures 8.5 inch long, is hand forged and water tempered. The tang is signed Yorimasa. The wooden mounts are painted in a red and black lacquer with silver lacquer cherry blossoms running the length or its handel & scabbard.Full Length 15 inch