This tanto by Gabriel Bell was awarded “Best Art Knife of Show” at the 2009 OKCA Show in Eugene, OR.  This sword showcases the ability of the only second-generation Japanese swordsmith outside Japan.

2009 OKCA Show Best Art Knife of Show

Fully polished Tanto in the shobu-zukuri style of standard-twist forge-welded cable construction. 10 inch nagasa with dynamic hamon.

Copper habaki. Koshirae mounted with hamidashi tsuba of antique forged wrought iron with matching wari-bashi (or wari-kogai). Seppa of copper. Partially ribbed, black and red, two-tone saya, “tiger stripe” pattern. Buffalo horn koiguchi, kojiri, and kurigata.  Gold and silver shitodome.  Black silk sageo.

Handle wrapped is black silk ito over a full-wrap of same. Gold shitodome and dragon menuki. Fuchigashira of shibuichi.

Come with small  “Best Art Knife 2009″ award and custom handmade cotton sword bag in olive green by Anna Bell.

FOR SALE

$8,700

For more photos and information read this work-in-progress blog, which was written during the making of the koshirae. It has a series of step-by-step photos.