Japanese Signed Smith-Made Tanto

This is an attractive tanto with a flat, non-faceted (hira-zukuri) style that measures 16" long from point to the tip of the tang, and has an 11 3/8" cutting edge.  The temper line (hamon) is a variant of the so-called "swell" pattern (notare) with a solid temper turn-back at the point (ichi-mai).  The temper line has a coarse martensite-lined border (nie).  The steel has a predominantly bright gray patina throughout, but with a handful of tiny surface blemishes (kizu) scattered about either face.  The tang (nakago) is straight with an uneven U-shaped tip (kuri-jiri) and a single peg hole (mekugi-ana).  The tang is inscribed on both sides and has an overall plum-brown patina.  The hilt (tsuka) has a four-lobed iron guard (tsuba), while the pommel (fuchi) and ferrule (kashira) have matching abstract linear designs.  The two grip ornaments (menuki) depict what look like turtles and plants.   A single brass guard spacer (seppa) and a copper blade collar (habaki) are also present.  The white rayskin (same) grip is lightly worn throughout, with some linear cracks visible, and the brown cloth binding (tsuka-ito) is intact, but with a few worn areas as well.  The wooden (saya) has an attractive maroon lacquer finish, but has cracked and flaked in several spots with a black tape repair almost at the small inset knife slot.  The small utility knife (kozuka) has an attractive prawn motif, but the cord loop (kurikata) has broken off and is no longer present.  This is a handsome tanto, with a very nice blade, and would make a fine addition to a collection of edged weapons.