This is a fine Japanese tanto signed “Kanekuni” (兼国) of the Mino tradition, dating to the Koto period (late Muromachi, 16th century). The blade measures 12.125 inches (30.8 cm) and is mounted in elaborate Edo-period samurai-themed koshirae. Blade The tanto is forged in hira-zukuri form with a wide body and elegant proportions. The hamon is an active gunome-midare with strong activity and a sweeping kaeri extending well back onto the mune. The hada is visible in the ji, showing a flowing itame typical of Mino workmanship. The tang is ubu, signed Kanekuni (兼国), with two mekugi-ana — the lower mekugi-ana reinforced with a metal collar insert, a feature seen on older blades re-