Shirasaya Tantō Set “San-Ken“

The Soul of Shirasaya: When Simplicity Becomes Excellence

Discover the essence of Japanese minimalism embodied in three blades. The San-Ken set comprises three authentic shirasaya tantō (55/33/27 cm) forged from 1045 carbon steel and finished with a handcrafted mirror polish. Each piece celebrates the philosophy of Ma (間) – that pure space where beauty arises from emptiness. Designed for discerning collectors and martial arts practitioners, this harmonious trio blends centuries-old tradition with contemporary precision. Made to order, each set is unique.

📜Description

Philosophy & Heritage

The shirasaya (白鞘, "white scabbard") embodies the quintessence of Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. During the Edo period, samurai would remove their katana from their ornamental mounts (koshirae) and entrust them to the shirasaya – this bare wooden mount, without a guard, designed to preserve the blade in its absolute purity.

San-Ken (三剣) means "three swords": a progressive triptych of long/medium/short swords that evokes the controlled gradation of martial movement, from contemplative breath to decisive strike. On your exhibition wall or in your dojo, these three clean lines tell the thousand-year history of Japanese sword making.

⚒️ Artisanal Forge: The Alliance of Tradition and Performance

1045 Carbon Steel – The Practitioner's Choice

We selected 1045 carbon steel for its optimal balance:

• Proven resilience : withstands repeated impacts during cutting (tameshigiri)
• Razor sharpness : formidable cutting edge maintained over time
• Simplified maintenance : accessible to both novices and experts

Hand-forged and mirror polished

Each blade is born under the blacksmith's hammer, heated, beaten, and shaped. Mirror polishing (鏡面仕上げ, kyōmen shiage ) then reveals the subtle undulations of the steel, transforming each tantō into a shimmering reflection of light. This finish requires 12 to 18 hours of handwork per blade—a patient gesture that honors the metal.

Bohi (樋): The Sounding Throat

A longitudinal groove (fuller groove) runs along each blade:

• Technical lightening : reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity
• Acoustic signature : during the cut, the tachi-kaze (blade wind) produces this characteristic whistling sound sought after by iaido practitioners.
• Clean aesthetics : a line that guides the eye towards the sharp point

Full-Tang Construction

Non-removable construction : the tang passes completely through the handle, guaranteeing absolute rigidity. Unlike entry-level reproductions, our tantō withstand intensive use – training in cutting on straw, bamboo, and tatami mats.

🌳 Shirasaya Frame: The Elegance of Bare Wood

Saya & Tsuka in Natural Wood

The scabbard (saya) and handle (tsuka) are carved from a light-colored, fine-grained wood, without harsh varnish. The wood breathes, protecting the steel from oxidation – an age-old combination validated by five centuries of use.

Black horn or resin rings : discreet reinforcements that punctuate the saya/tsuka junction with a contemporary touch.

Habaki & Brass Fittings

• Habaki (鎺): a polished brass collar that secures the blade at the entrance of the scabbard. This small masterpiece of fitting ensures a satisfying "click" when sheathing – the koiguchi perfectly tightened.
• Seppa & Menuki : Discreet brass washers and ornaments, golden reflections that contrast with the pale wood.
• Absence of tsuba (guard): faithful to the shirasaya spirit, nothing interrupts the pure line of the mount.

Kissaki (鋒): Precision Tip

The tip has a clean transition ( yokote ), polished to a sharp, mirror-like finish. Each kissaki is inspected to ensure symmetry and fineness – essential criteria for traditional tantō.

🥋 Versatile Use: Collection & Martial Arts Practice

For the Collector

• Museum display : The San-Ken trio on a 3-tier stand (sold separately) creates a striking focal point in any room.
• Cultural investment : numbered, handcrafted pieces, produced in limited quantities
• An exceptional gift : for enthusiasts of Japanese history, martial arts, and Zen aesthetics

For the Practitioner

• Iaido & Battōjutsu : graduated lengths allow for the progressive learning of kata (forms) at the tantō
• Tameshigiri : razor sharpening ready for cutting on traditional targets (rice straw, green bamboo, rolled tatami)
• Carefully considered balance : each blade has its optimal pivot point – from the short, agile tantō (27 cm) to the long, contemplative tantō (51 cm).

Accessible Interview

1045 steel is forgiving of beginner mistakes:

• Simple oiling : camellia oil or specialized WD-40 every 1 to 3 months depending on the humidity
• Resharpening : Japanese stone, 1000-3000 grit, technique accessible after tutorial
• Standard kit : compatible with all commercially available maintenance kits ( uchiko powder, nugui-gami paper)

⚙️ Technical specifications

Configuration	San-Ken trio (long 51 cm / medium 33 cm / short 27 cm)
Total length (L / M / S)	80 cm / 51 cm / 44 cm
Blade length (Nagasa)	51cm (L) / 33cm (M) / 27cm (S)
Blade width	3.2 cm
Blade steel	1045 carbon steel
Type of forge	Hand-forged (full tang, non-removable assembly)
Bohi (throat)	Yes — lighter weight & better sound reproduction
Hamon	Without a hamon (temper line not visible)
Polishing	Mirror polish (neat finish)
Sheath (Saya)	Natural wood
Handle length (Tsuka)	24cm (L) / 15cm (M) / 13cm (S)
Fittings	Brass Habaki; brass Seppa/Menuki; black rings
Sharpening	Razor-sharp
Accessories included	Fabric carrying case

⚒️ Forging, Finishing & Customization upon request

Each knife is a unique piece, assembled and forged by hand with care and precision.
Customize yours to your liking: choice of steel, sheath color, braiding style, engraving, and much more.

You can also create a 100% custom Tanto by mixing elements from our existing models (blade, guard, saya, braiding, etc.) to forge a truly unique weapon.

➡️ This customization service is available upon request for an additional quote in the following section:
⚒️ Custom design/personalization workshop

🔞 Sale reserved for +18 years.
Decorative/collectible item. Carrying and transport prohibited in public places. Keep out of reach of minors. Comply with the laws of your country.