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Flower Tsuba Tanto
Flower Tsuba Tanto blends classical Japanese blade craft with ornamental artistry - each piece features a distinctively shaped floral guard that transforms a functional tanto into a refined display collectible. Hand-forged from carbon or Damascus steel with full-tang construction, these tantos are built to the same exacting standards prized by serious collectors. Free standard shipping is included on every order, and we stand behind every piece with a no-hassle return policy.
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319.00 USD
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a floral tsuba different from a standard round tsuba?
A standard maru-gata (round) tsuba prioritizes geometric simplicity and is common across katana and tanto mountings throughout Japanese history. A floral tsuba, by contrast, features cutwork, relief carving, or cast motifs drawn from nature - orchids, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms are among the most traditional choices. This openwork construction reduces weight on an already-compact tanto while adding visual complexity. On a collectible tanto, the floral guard also signals the maker's investment in the koshirae (overall mounting), distinguishing display-grade pieces from plain practice hardware. The shape and material of the tsuba - bronze, iron, or alloy - further affects how the guard oxidizes and patinas over time in a display environment.
How does a clay-tempered hamon form on a T10 tanto blade?
Clay tempering is a traditional Japanese heat-treatment method where a thick coat of refractory clay is applied to the blade's spine before the piece is heated and quenched in water. The clay insulates the spine, slowing its cooling, while the exposed edge cools rapidly and hardens into a high-Rockwell martensitic structure. The boundary between these two zones becomes visible after polishing as the hamon - a misty, undulating line that runs the length of the blade. T10 steel is particularly well-suited to this process because its slightly elevated carbon content and tungsten traces produce a fine-grained edge with a sharply defined hamon. No two hamons are identical; the exact shape is determined by clay application thickness, quench angle, and the blade's profile geometry, making each piece a unique artifact even within the same production run.
Is Damascus steel on a tanto functional or purely decorative?
Damascus steel tanto blades are both structurally sound and visually striking, though their primary appeal in a collectible context is the layered woodgrain or flowing water pattern revealed during the polishing process. The billet is built by forge-welding alternating high- and low-carbon steel layers and folding them repeatedly, which distributes carbon unevenly and creates the characteristic visual contrast when acid-etched. The resulting blade holds an edge adequately for display purposes and light test-cutting practice, though it is not typically the first choice for high-frequency functional use. For collectors, the pattern uniqueness is the main draw - no two Damascus tantos will show the same surface design, which is a meaningful differentiator when building a display collection where visual variety matters.
How should I store a flower tsuba tanto to preserve the finish?
Proper storage protects both the blade steel and the ornamental fittings. Keep the tanto in its saya (scabbard) when not on display, and never store it in an airtight case without moisture control - trapped humidity accelerates surface oxidation on both carbon steel blades and bronze or iron tsuba. Apply a thin coat of neutral blade oil (choji or food-grade mineral oil) to the blade every one to three months, wiping with a clean microfiber cloth. The tsuba, habaki, and fuchi should be gently wiped down to remove fingerprint oils, which are mildly acidic. Store horizontally or on a purpose-built sword stand away from direct sunlight, which can fade lacquered saya and degrade ito wrapping thread over time.
Would a flower tsuba tanto make a good gift for a collector?
A flower tsuba tanto is an excellent gift choice for anyone who appreciates Japanese craft traditions, historical blade culture, or display-quality decorative art. The compact size makes it easy to display in a home office, study, or curio cabinet without requiring the wall space a full-length katana demands. The floral tsuba gives the piece an immediately readable aesthetic identity that appeals to recipients who may not be deep sword enthusiasts but recognize fine metalwork and ornamental craft. For a more personalized gift, pairing a tanto with a matching display stand or selecting a steel type (Damascus for visual drama, T10 hamon for traditionalist appeal, 1045 for clean classic lines) allows the giver to tailor the piece to the recipient's taste.
Customer Reviews
Kevin Ahlswede
Wisconsin, United States
Got this for my son for Christmas who started collecting swords, looks awesome and he loved it!!!
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Larry M Litwin
New York, United States
High quality, extremely sharp, excellent balance, and beautiful. I walk my 4½ pound Biewer Terrier in my back woods. Trailcams have captured single and double coyote and groups of feral dogs. I have the tanto on my belt and feel very safe and able to protect my tiny dog should I need to.
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Daniel Ingram Iii
New York, United States
The tanto is very nice looking and good quality. Better than expected!
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Rob Cook
Texas, United States
Nice, solid, hefty Tanto short sword. Seems to be well-built and includes a wooden sheath. The top of the edge near the tip is sharp, although; the further you go down the edge the less sharp it becomes. Not a bad sword for the price and steel used.
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Jon Rowe
Utah, United States
Perfect to add to my Daisho I bought earlier, I love having this tanto together with the wazakashi and kantana.
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Sean Canavan
New York, United States
I'm an early Iaido student 2nd year and I wanted a small tanto to complement the shinken.
I didn't want something too big like a Wakizashi but for a tanto it's on the longer side.
Depending on your hand size this is a single handed tsuka.
For really small hands you might be able to get both hands around the tsuka.
I like the red and black tint on the tsuka that's what attracted me.
It looks great and I feel like the craftsmenship on this blade is worth more than it's value.
Note: blade seemed to come in dry no choji oil appeared to be on the blade. So check to make sure.
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
Elois Deleon
New York, United States
Yes I recently purchased this small katana which im Impress with from “true katana”
Now I will say the small katana is 10 high carbon steel, with a sharp edge , clay tempered and so on. It’s handmade and very well build, I love the design the iron tusba has flower design which nice and the scabbard has a beautiful design on it as well.
I love this small sword and I love looking at it and I love the way it feels when I hold it in my hand too.
Also I would like to thank karatemart for the beautiful selection of weapons they produce and the fast shipping delivery which took a few days but that the process ….. thanks again I recommend this weapon and will buy again👍
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T10 Carbon Steel Japanese Tanto with Clay Tempered Hamon in Black Gold-Thread Saya with Floral Tsuba |
Marc Magaro
Indiana, United States
It was everything that I wanted and the delivery was faster than I expected
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1045 Carbon Steel Tanto Sword with Black Ito Wrap, Red Samegawa and Bronze Orchid Tsuba - Full Tang |
