Japanese Tanto

[USAF_Vet]

My step dad heads back to Japan next week for a final eight weeks to complete a two year plus management consulting gig. He asked if there was anything I wanted from Japan, for Christmas. I was stationed at Yokota from Dec. '98 to May '00, but lost all my keepsakes and memorabilia from my time there, including a nice folded steel Tanto that cost me about $200 back in those days. Quite a big chuck of change for an E-2/ E-3.

He's been looking for a type 30 bayonet for my (his dads, actually) Arisaka Type 38, but has had no luck. Anyone know of a quality knife maker in and around the Tokyo area, give or take 50 miles I can direct him to for a quality Tanto?

I picked my old one up in Shinjuku, but I don't think he will be getting out that way unless he makes a special trip, and I don't remember the name of the shop where I got it in the first place.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

This guy isn't in Japan (PI instead). However, if you come up dry there I would give him a look; http://ecosknives.com/available.html

 

[CWL]

I believe that Japanese laws still forbid collection of WWII relics so finding Arisaka parts will prolly be a no-go.

For knives, the best place to go to in Tokyo will be Tokyu Hands, the craziest "has all" department store in Japan. I have had luck finding knives and bladed tools there in the Sporting Goods and Tools sections. Not sure they have "tantos" but your dad will be able to find traditional knives made from folded steel as well as sporting knives, all by Japanese traditional knife makers. Tools will have blades like Kiridashi. Also hand forged kitchen cutlery. I like the one near Shinjuko Train Station, but the Shibuya one is also great. -American tourists can spend an entire day wandering the floors & aisles. tokyu-hands.co.jp/foreign.html

In Gina district, is the Ginza Choshuza sword store where they have dozens to hundreds of authentic swords & knives for sale. Now these are real swords from the Samurai eras, so be aware that prices are typically in the thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, but worth a visit for your dad. World.choshuya.co.jp

 

[USAF_Vet]

I remember Tokyu Hands, the 'Walmart of Japan' as it was described by most Americans on base.

He did put some thought into buying me an authentic sword, but the least expensive one he found was $1500. Hopefully a tanto of similar quality won't cost an arm and a leg.

I did see a lot of cheap knock offs that were stamped and sharpened sheet metal of dubious quality; decent for display, but won't hold up to any real work.

The shop I got mine in was a little back alley hole in the wall shop where Americans typically did not go. The language barrier was a problem, but I did manage to learn enough conversational Japanese to get by.

 

[hso]

I understand you'd like to have a tanto from Japan, but can you tell us exactly why instead of a handmade one from an American bladesmith?

 

[USAF_Vet]

Nostalgia, mostly. I had a nice one and lost it PCSing, and its unlikely I'll ever make it back to Japan. A Tanto speaks to me as something that should be from a good Japanese bladesmith. Like a Bowie knife should come from a good American bladesmith.

Other than a good sword it knife, there isn't much else from Japan I really care to own. Which is why I bought a tanto when I was stationed there in the first place.

 

[hso]

Tokyo Hands is about the only easy place to recommend he look.