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Japanese Shirasaya Tanto

Browse our Japanese Shirasaya Tanto collection, featuring compact blades in the distinctive shirasaya mounting — the plain, undecorated wooden housing that represents Japanese blade craft at its most minimalist. Shirasaya literally means white scabbard, and this mounting strips away all ornamental fittings to present the blade in its purest possible context. Free U.S. shipping and 30-day return guarantee.

Flower TantoBushido TantoCurved Tanto
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Showing 16 Products
Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya
Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With Real Hamon In Natural Rosewood Saya
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149.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 179.00 USD
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Tanto with Real Rayskin Saya - Full Tang Hamon Blade
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Tanto With Real Rayskin Saya - Full Tang Hamon Blade
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689.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 859.00 USD
1045 Carbon Steel Aikuchi Tanto with Natural Rosewood Handle and Saya - Full Tang Collectible Japanese Short Sword
1045 Carbon Steel Aikuchi Tanto With Natural Rosewood Handle And Saya - Full Tang Collectible Japanese Short Sword
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139.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 169.00 USD
T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto With Real Hamon In Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
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149.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 179.00 USD
Aikuchi Tanto in Damascus Steel with Dark Wood Saya - Floral Copper Fittings, Brown Handle
Aikuchi Tanto In Damascus Steel With Dark Wood Saya - Floral Copper Fittings, Brown Handle
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389.00 USD
Shirasaya Tanto in T10 Carbon Steel with Real Hamon - Natural Wood Saya & Brass Tsuba
Shirasaya Tanto In T10 Carbon Steel With Real Hamon - Natural Wood Saya & Brass Tsuba
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309.00 USD
Folded Damascus Steel Double Edge Aikuchi Tanto with Sandalwood Saya - Brown Collectible Short Sword
Folded Damascus Steel Double Edge Aikuchi Tanto With Sandalwood Saya - Brown Collectible Short Sword
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189.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 219.00 USD
T10 Steel Pocket Tanto with Gold Wolf Engraved Copper Saya - Aikuchi Collectible in Black and Gold
T10 Steel Pocket Tanto With Gold Wolf Engraved Copper Saya - Aikuchi Collectible In Black And Gold
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179.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 209.00 USD
Folded Melaleuca Steel Tanto with Natural Hardwood Shirasaya in Yellow - Full Tang Blade
Folded Melaleuca Steel Tanto With Natural Hardwood Shirasaya In Yellow - Full Tang Blade
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839.00 USD
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Tanto with Clay-Tempered Hamon in Black Sandalwood Saya with Copper Fittings
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Tanto With Clay-tempered Hamon In Black Sandalwood Saya With Copper Fittings
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249.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 289.00 USD
T10 Steel Tanto with Real Hamon in Rosewood Saya - Clay Tempered, Brass Fittings
T10 Steel Tanto With Real Hamon In Rosewood Saya - Clay Tempered, Brass Fittings
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299.00 USD
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Tanto with Ebony Handle and Gold Habaki - Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Tanto With Ebony Handle And Gold Habaki - Black Piano Lacquer Saya
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309.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 369.00 USD
T10 Steel Pocket Tanto with Gold Cat-Engraved Black Lacquer Saya - Aikuchi Collectible Knife
T10 Steel Pocket Tanto With Gold Cat-engraved Black Lacquer Saya - Aikuchi Collectible Knife
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179.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 209.00 USD
Blue Manganese Steel Hamidashi Tanto with Etched Pattern and Black Carbon Fiber Weave Saya
Blue Manganese Steel Hamidashi Tanto With Etched Pattern And Black Carbon Fiber Weave Saya
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139.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 169.00 USD
Handmade Double Edge Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
Handmade Double Edge Tanto Sword Pattern Steel
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339.00 USD
Damascus Steel Tanto with Red Rayskin Saya - Hand-Forged, Real Hamon, 12.5
Damascus Steel Tanto With Red Rayskin Saya - Hand-forged, Real Hamon, 12.5" Blade
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459.00 USD
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Pure Minimalism — Shirasaya Mounting at Tanto Scale

The shirasaya is the most minimalist mounting in Japanese sword tradition. It consists of a plain wooden handle and scabbard with no tsuba guard, no menuki ornaments, no decorative cord wrapping, and no lacquer finish — just clean, natural magnolia wood housing the blade in its simplest possible context. Historically, shirasaya served as storage mountings used to protect blades when they were not in use, but their austere beauty has made them prized display formats in their own right. At tanto scale, the shirasaya creates an almost zen-like aesthetic — a compact object of pure material and form with nothing added beyond necessity.

For shirasaya at katana scale, browse Shirasaya Katana. The full tanto range is at Tanto Sword. For the opposite aesthetic approach with maximum decorative complexity, see Dragon Tanto or Flower Tanto — displaying shirasaya alongside ornamental tanto creates a powerful contrast between minimalist and decorative traditions.

Shirasaya tanto are the most architecturally pure display pieces in our catalog, appealing to collectors who find beauty in simplicity and material honesty. In contemporary minimalist interiors, a shirasaya tanto feels perfectly at home — its natural wood and clean lines speak the same visual language as modern design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical purpose of shirasaya mounting, and how did it become a display format?
Shirasaya was originally developed as a storage mounting — a protective housing for blades during periods when they were not being carried or displayed in their formal koshirae fittings. The plain magnolia wood was chosen for its tight grain, lack of resin, and neutral chemical properties that protect the blade from corrosion during storage. The absence of decorative elements was intentional: shirasaya were functional containers, not display pieces. Over time, collectors and connoisseurs began appreciating the shirasaya’s austere beauty in its own right — the way it presented the blade as the sole focus without any ornamental distraction. This appreciation transformed the shirasaya from a utilitarian storage solution into a respected display format that emphasizes the blade’s inherent qualities above all else.
How does shirasaya mounting change the visual experience of examining a tanto blade?
Shirasaya mounting fundamentally shifts visual attention from the fittings to the blade because there are no fittings competing for the viewer’s eye. On a traditionally mounted tanto, the tsuba guard, handle wrapping, menuki ornaments, and scabbard decoration all create visual interest that surrounds and sometimes overshadows the blade itself. In shirasaya, the plain wood handle and scabbard create a neutral frame that directs all visual attention to the steel — its surface quality, grain character, hamon temper line if present, and geometric precision. This makes shirasaya mounting the most honest presentation of a blade’s quality because there is nothing to distract from or compensate for the steel itself. A beautifully forged blade looks its best in shirasaya; a mediocre blade has nowhere to hide.
Are shirasaya tanto appropriate for new collectors, or do they require experienced appreciation?
Shirasaya tanto can work for new collectors but appeal to different sensibilities than fully fitted tanto. New collectors who are drawn to Japanese blade craft through visual complexity — elaborate tsuba, colored cord wrapping, ornamental themes — may find shirasaya austere or underwhelming compared to their expectations. New collectors who are drawn to minimalism, material honesty, and clean design will find shirasaya immediately appealing because these values are exactly what the mounting embodies. The advantage for new collectors is educational: examining a blade without ornamental distraction teaches you to see and appreciate the steel itself, developing the blade-evaluation skills that more experienced collectors rely on. Starting with a shirasaya tanto can accelerate your development as a discerning collector by training your eye on what matters most — the blade.
How should shirasaya tanto be stored and maintained, given the unfinished wood mounting?
Shirasaya’s unfinished magnolia wood requires specific care considerations. The natural wood absorbs moisture, so avoid displaying or storing in humid environments where the wood could swell and create a tight fit that makes drawing difficult. Conversely, extremely dry conditions can cause the wood to shrink, creating a loose fit. Moderate, stable humidity around 40 to 60 percent is ideal. The unfinished wood surface can absorb oils from handling, so minimize direct hand contact with the wood itself, or accept the natural patina that develops over time as a feature rather than a flaw. The blade requires the same care as any carbon steel sword: regular oiling with choji or mineral oil. When inserting the blade into the shirasaya, ensure the edge faces upward and slides in smoothly — forcing a tight fit can damage both edge and wood.

Customer Reviews

Jim Gilbert New York, United States
Feb 24, 2026 13:07

My second blade bought from True Katana and I am very happy with both. Sharp and beautiful to look at.r
Highly recommend

Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya
Arvin Rogelio Castillo Gonzalez Utah, United States
Feb 12, 2026 20:56

its my first one, not the only one. i love good for decoration

Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya Shirasaya Tanto T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya
Jason Mcconnell Queensland, Australia
Jan 16, 2026 17:50

Heavy, balanced and display worthy. An awesome piece.

T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
James Tobias-woodel Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 29, 2025 14:09

The wooden sheath & handle of high quality. The blade is also of high quality. I love it.

T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
Richard Todd Lemmon Sr Florida, United States
Oct 11, 2025 18:10

I’m excited about my shirasaya tanto! It is small enough to go with me, discreet enough to go unnoticed, and sharp enough to matter. Well done! The safety warning card was good for a load of laughs.

T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
Marc Tidemann Wisconsin, United States
Sep 11, 2025 17:34

I have several swords in my collection from your company, I am very impressed

T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible T10 Clay Tempered Shirasaya Tanto with Real Hamon in Natural Rosewood Saya - Aikuchi Collectible
Rodney Horikawa Hawaii, United States
Apr 18, 2025 14:45

Thank you awesome company fast shipping will buy again.

1045 Carbon Steel Aikuchi Tanto with Natural Rosewood Handle and Saya - Full Tang Collectible Japanese Short Sword 1045 Carbon Steel Aikuchi Tanto with Natural Rosewood Handle and Saya - Full Tang Collectible Japanese Short Sword
Russell Noyes Alabama, United States
Apr 07, 2025 18:13

I love almost everything thing about this tanto blade. While I could nitpick over insignificant details, my only real complaint is that the blade could be sharper, but bare in mind, I've been a professional cook for nearly 30 years and I'm comparing the sharpness to culinary standards even though I have no intention of using it for cooking.

Blue Manganese Steel Hamidashi Tanto with Etched Pattern and Black Carbon Fiber Weave Saya Blue Manganese Steel Hamidashi Tanto with Etched Pattern and Black Carbon Fiber Weave Saya
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