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I have some expenses coming up and need to pass this on...
Howard Clark created this Hira-zukuri style O-tanto / wakizashi by folding his well known 1086 with antique wrought iron taken from an anchor chain. Nagasa measures a whopping 14”, truly putting it in the “buffalo killer” class. Finish polish on this blade is by Brandon Thell. Silver habaki and shirasaya are from Fred Lohman.
I don’t know how many others like it were made, but I have the feeling that the nature of the 1086/antique wrought iron combination, taken along with its sheer size, make it rare if not unique among Howard’s work.
(A similar 1086/wrought iron Clark tanto, though smaller with a more conventional sugata, but from the same period is currently for sale on Keith Larman’s site. That one has a 10” nagasa. You can check it out here:
http://www.summerchild.com/consign_mk_tanto.htm
Among his many talents, Keith takes very good photos, and you may appreciate his close-ups better than my humble attempts.)
Anything that could possibly cause disappointment? The blade itself is superb. Same for the habaki. The only thing I should mention is that the shirasaya was dinged on one side at some point before I acquired this. A dent basically less than a cm long on the ura side, invisible if the piece is on a stand, but you will see it on closer inspection.
I’ve been privileged to own this one for a while. My only hope is that the next owner gets it mounted. I guess we’ll see.
Price is $2300 firm and includes shipping and insurance. No trades please. CONUS ONLY. Paypal or USPS money order. First firm offer takes it. PM me with questions/ inquiries.
Thanks for looking!
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