Antique Japanese Tomokozuka 共小柄, Rare Style - Edo Period Mumei with Resting Box For Sale

A MINIMALIST AND EXCEEDINGLY RARE INTEGRAL SAMURAI UTILITY WEAPON: AN EDO PERIOD MUMEI TOMOKOZUKA (ONE-PIECE FORGED UTILITY KNIFE) IN CUSTOM WOODEN PRESENTATION BOXDESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
This highly unusual and intensely minimalist artifact stands as a premier example of practical samurai engineering from the Edo Period. Unlike the standard two-piece kogatana and kozuka configurations, this piece is an authentic Tomokozuka (共小柄)—masterfully hand-forged from a single, continuous billet of Water Quenched Tamahagane steel. The integral handle and blade architecture represents a rare and specialized style highly sought after by advanced collectors of Japanese Weapons. Engineered with perfect balance, these solid integral knives served as everyday multi-tools. Preserved with a clear, active temper line on the cutting edge and an untouched, naturally patinated handle section, this weapon is beautifully nestled within a custom presentation Kiribako (wooden storage box) with a lined interior. It stands as an outstanding candidate for an institutional archive, museum gallery, or fine private collection of Japanese Edged Weapons.SPECIFICATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
Form: Tomokozuka (One-piece integral handle and utility knife blade)
Blade Length: 4 3/4 Inches (12.1 cm)
Total Length: 8 7/8 Inches (22.5 cm)
Tang/Handle Structure: Mumei (Unsigned), featuring an authentic, untouched aged steel surface with two meticulously executed structural or alignment holes. The single-piece construction ensures an absolute rigid profile with zero wobbling or joint fatigue.
Housing: Custom fitted specialized wooden presentation box with cushioned lining and securement bands.THE METALLURGY, FORM, AND TEMPERING
Forged during the Edo Period (1603–1868), this piece showcases an extraordinary mastery of temper control. The transition from the resilient, unhardened handle section to the lethal cutting edge is flawlessly executed. The blade profile features a traditional, razor-sharp single-edged geometry.
Along the polished edge, a visible, frosty hamon flows beautifully toward the tip, indicating that the blade area underwent traditional clay-masking and water-quenching processes independent of the handle body. The steel quality is exceptional, showing a tight, uniform grain structure common among high-tier companion tools crafted for samurai use.THE TOMOKOZUKA ARTISTRY AND FINISH
The distinguishing characteristic of this piece is its stark, no-nonsense functionality. The handle area functions as an unadorned kozuka body, intentionally left with its rich, dark forge scale patina to provide a secure grip and prevent corrosive degradation under field use. This raw, historic finish stands in beautiful visual contrast to the brightly polished, mirror like steel of the forward cutting edge. The clean, unembellished style reflects the pure martial utility prioritized by segments of the Samurai Warrior class during the Edo Period.CONDITION REPORT AND COLLECTOR\'S NOTE
Recently acquired from an exclusive private estate collection and presented exactly as discovered, this historical treasure remains in exceptional condition for its age. The edge is remarkably crisp with no chips or rolling, and the polished surface clearly illuminates the active hamon. The handle retains an incredible, untouched dark patina with light, authentic age oxidation that underscores its historical integrity. The accompanying wooden box is structurally sound, clean, and beautifully highlights the item for premier showcase exhibition. Representing a rare opportunity to acquire a hard-to-find integral variation of Samurai Gear, this Tomokozuka is an invaluable addition to any comprehensive Japanese sword collection. All inquiries should be finalized prior to acquisition. RARE

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- If you purchase multiple items please wait for a combined invoice before paying.- Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed - further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask.- Payment is due within 3 business days after the close of the sale- New ers (10 or less response) must contact me prior to offerding; otherwise offers will be cancelled.- I describe all items to the best of my ability - please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing.- If for any reason you do not feel you can leave perfect positive response please immediately contact me so that I may have the opportunity to resolve the matter.- Mistakes very rarely occur - however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected.- International Buyers are Welcome! Please contact me if you have any question regarding shipping costs.- All packages are shipped USPS based on the dimensions, weight, & service - there is a $1.00 handling fee added to all packages to cover packing materials.- I generally ship within the stated handling time but this may not always be possible; if for some reason your package is going to be delayed I will immediately inform you and give you a full refund on shipping.