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. 

Eventhough only in a shirasaya style of mounting, this tanto is one of the very attractive blades in our inventory. The hada is clearly visible in its folded steel blade. 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, kurikata and kojiri is made of polished, brown buffalo horn.