The tanto or short sword is a Japanese blade used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. It dates back to the Heian period and was mainly designed for stabbing but can be used for close quarter slashing. Women would sometimes carry a tanto concealed in their sash or obi for self-defense.

This tanto has big kissaki,  the blade is honsanmai structure and clay tempered. Its saya and tsuka is covered in polished mother-of-pearl and shells and give a unique glow of random colors. The kashira, fuchi, koiguchi and kojiri is made of polished, black buffalo horn.