Sell Tanto

Sell your antique japanese Tanto

Do you own an authentic Japanese tantō that you are considering selling?

Supein Nihonto buys antique Japanese tantō directly from private collectors, families, estates and dealers worldwide.

We are interested in signed and unsigned blades, certified examples, tantō in koshirae or shirasaya, inherited pieces and complete collections.

If you are unsure whether your blade is a tantō or another type of nihontō, send us clear photographs and we can assess it.

Send details

What Tanto do we buy?

We consider a wide range of authentic Japanese tantō, including:

Antique tantō
Edo-period tantō
Earlier Japanese blades
Signed tantō
Unsigned tantō
NBTHK-certified tantō
NTHK-certified tantō
Tantō in koshirae
Tantō in shirasaya
Blades with associated tosogu
Tantō with provenance
Inherited pieces
Individual blades
Complete collections

We are primarily interested in genuine Japanese-made blades with historical, artistic or collector value.

What is a Tanto?

A tantō is a short traditional Japanese blade, generally shorter than a wakizashi.

Tantō were produced in many different forms and periods, and they can vary greatly in shape, mounting style and intended use.

Classification may depend on factors such as:

Blade length
Shape
Curvature
Tang
Construction
Mounting style
Historical period

If you are unsure whether your blade should be classified as a tantō, you do not need to identify it before contacting us.

Signed and unsigned Tanto

A tantō may be signed or unsigned.

The signature on the tang, or mei, can sometimes provide information about the swordsmith, school or period.

However, a signature alone does not establish authenticity or value.

We assess the blade as a whole, including:

Shape
Hamon
Hada
Nakago
Mei
Period
School
Condition
Polish
Koshirae
Certification
Provenance

Unsigned tantō can also be historically important and collectible.

What determines the value of a Tanto?

The value of an antique Japanese tantō depends on a combination of factors.

These may include:

swordsmith, school, historical period, blade quality, forging, hamon, hada, shape, length, signature, nakago condition, polish, blade condition, certification, koshirae, tosogu, provenance, rarity, historical importance, collector demand.

Small size does not mean low value. Important tantō can be highly desirable because of their craftsmanship, age, attribution or mounting.

Request an evaluation

Tanto in Koshirae or Shirasaya

We buy wakizashi presented in:

Complete koshirae
Partial koshirae
Shirasaya
Koshirae with separate shirasaya
Mounted blades with associated fittings

Important fittings may include:

Tsuba or aikuchi-style mounts
Fuchi
Kashira
Menuki
Kozuka
Kogai
Saya
Tsuka
Habaki

If your tantō has both koshirae and shirasaya, please photograph both.

Aikuchi and other mounting styles

Some tantō are mounted in aikuchi koshirae, without a conventional tsuba.

Others may have highly decorative lacquered saya, metal fittings or unusual mounting styles.

These features can contribute significantly to collector interest.

If your tantō has distinctive fittings or lacquer work, include detailed photographs.

Submit your collection

What photographs should i send?

Please send:

Full-length photograph of the blade, Both sides of the blade, Kissaki, Hamon, Hada, if visible, Habaki, Nakago / tang, Signature or inscriptions, Koshirae, Tsuka, Saya, Menuki, Kozuka or kogai, if present, Shirasaya, NBTHK or NTHK certificate, Storage box, Provenance or other documentation.

Please do not clean, polish or alter the blade before sending photographs.

Ask a specialist

Certified Tanto

We are especially interested in tantō with recognised documentation.

These may include:

NBTHK papers
NTHK papers
Previous auction records
Old collection documentation
Provenance records

If your tantō has papers, please send clear photographs of the entire certificate and any associated documentation.

You do not need to translate Japanese documents before contacting us.

Inherited Tanto

Many tantō are inherited without detailed information.

You do not need to know:

The swordsmith
The period
The school
Whether the signature is genuine
Whether the blade is certified
Its current market value

Clear photographs are usually enough to begin an initial assessment.

Request an evaluation

The Nakago is important

The nakago, or tang, can provide important information about a tantō.

It may contain:

Signatures
Dates
Inscriptions
File marks
Patina
Information relevant to attribution

Do not clean or remove rust from the tang.

Its original surface may contain important historical evidence.

Condition and restoration

We also consider tantō that are not in perfect condition.

You do not need to know:

Old polish
Light oxidation
Surface scratches
Worn koshirae
Missing fittings
Historical restoration
Minor blade flaws

Condition influences value, but an imperfect tantō can still be historically or artistically important.

Request an evaluation

How the selling process works

Complete the form below and upload clear photographs of the blade, fittings and any documentation.

We assess the blade, condition, mounting, papers and collector interest.

We may request further photographs, dimensions or provenance details.

If the tantō is of interest and an agreement is reached, we will explain the next steps for payment, documentation and secure delivery.

Sell a Tanto collection

We also purchase collections containing multiple tantō and other Japanese swords.

These may include:

Several tantō
Wakizashi
Katana
Tachi
Certified blades
Koshirae
Shirasaya
Tosogu
Sword fittings

For larger collections, overview photographs and a simple inventory are sufficient for the first contact.

Send details

Not sure whether your Tanto is authentic?

You do not need to authenticate the blade before contacting us.

The market includes genuine nihontō, later Japanese blades, reproductions and non-Japanese copies.

Send us clear photographs and whatever information you have available.

We can determine whether the piece is relevant to our area of specialisation.

What our customers say

SupeinNihonto was born from years of dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts such as Aikido, Kendo, and Iaido, and a deep passion for collecting authentic samurai weapons and armor.

View on Google

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 26 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Stephan S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dealer of Japanese antiques. Absolutely trustworthy with a superb selection.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Meixia l 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 我是一名常驻中国的室内设计师。当时我正在为一位客户的办公室寻找正宗的日本藏品，偶然了解到了Supein Nihonto。我们当时专门想找两套武士铠甲，将其作为空间的视觉核心。
整个合作过程中，埃里克提供了极大的帮助。他解答了我关于铠甲的各类疑问，包括铠甲的历史背景、尺寸规格、陈列方式以及物流运输等问题。尽管我们身处不同国家，他把所有事宜都处理得清晰明了。
铠甲如期送达，摆放在完工后的办公室里效果十分惊艳。最重要的是，我的客户对最终效果非常满意。
这次合作体验极佳。今后如果有室内设计项目需要采购正宗日本古董，我一定会再次选择这家。
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   May G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great atention from the stuff, all the question was nicelly answered and the armor was very decorative and real gorgeous piece of art. Very happy with everything! Many thanks Supein nihonto!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erika L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compré una armadura Gusoku y todo muy bien, tenía algunas preguntas y Eric ha sido capaz de contestar todo lo que no sabía, llegó todo muy bien embalado y bastante rápido. El Kabuto es muy bonito y está muy bien conservado.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eric T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. J'ai pu échanger de visu avec Eric. C'est un vrai passionné, qui maîtrise son sujet. Je le recommande vivement, surtout dans ce milieu ou le meilleur se mélange avec les pires escrocs
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hervorragende Dienstleistung, Qualität und persönliche Betreuung! Ich habe bereits drei Stücke von Supein Nihonto gekauft und hatte nie Probleme. Nach schlechten Erfahrungen mit anderen japanischen Händlern – lange Lieferzeiten und sogar ein verlorenes Paket – bin ich zu dieser Firma gewechselt. Ich werde ihnen treu bleiben und meine bereits beeindruckende Sammlung weiter ausbauen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mik B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ho acquistato da Eric un’armatura samurai di grande fascino e qualità, e l’esperienza è stata eccellente sotto ogni aspetto.

Fin dal primo contatto si è dimostrato estremamente professionale, competente e disponibile nel fornire tutte le informazioni richieste, accompagnandomi con trasparenza durante l’intero processo di acquisto. L’oggetto ricevuto corrisponde perfettamente alla descrizione e alle aspettative, con una cura nei dettagli che testimonia una profonda conoscenza del settore.

Ho particolarmente apprezzato la serietà, la correttezza commerciale e l’attenzione riservata al cliente, qualità oggi sempre più rare da trovare. La spedizione è stata accurata e l’armatura è arrivata in perfette condizioni.

Consiglio vivamente Eric a collezionisti, appassionati di arte e cultura giapponese e a chiunque sia alla ricerca di oggetti autentici e di alto livello.

Grazie ancora per questa splendida acquisizione che rappresenta uno dei pezzi più interessanti della mia collezione.

Mik – Roma, Italia
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emanuele S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Supein Nihoto. I purchased a katana and a wakizashi, and both pieces are truly beautiful — carefully selected and of remarkable quality. You can immediately see the attention to detail and the seller’s passion for what he offers.

The packaging was also exceptional: all the documentation was perfectly arranged in a refined envelope, which added a very elegant touch to the whole experience.

As a thoughtful gesture, he even included a small katana kake stand as a gift, which I greatly appreciated.

Beyond the objects themselves, the seller was very helpful, responsive, and clearly knowledgeable. His selection is outstanding, and you can tell he deals in genuinely fine items.

Highly recommended — I would definitely purchase from Supein Nihoto again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dimitrios K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Legit dealer of Japanese treasures ! This man loves his work is not just reselling items, at first he is a collector and does this out of true passion.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Burke J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received a beautiful tokubetsu hozon nihonto for Christmas from Supein.  Actually my wife purchased the sword after receiving some helpful hints and recommendations lol.  She knows absolutely nothing about nihonto but Supein walked her through everything honestly and I ended up with something beyond my dreams and expectations, honestly.  The packing was exceptional, shipping fast and the sword itself a literal work of art.  Supein has a lifetime customer now as my collection grows. Thank you!
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Explore

Information

Contact

Authentic Japanese swords, samurai armor, and historical artifacts directly sourced from Japan for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Supein Cart

Samurai Art & Arms

Japanese Art & Culture

Sell your antique japanese Tanto

What Tanto do we buy?

What is a Tanto?

Signed and unsigned Tanto

What determines the value of a Tanto?

Tanto in Koshirae or Shirasaya

Aikuchi and other mounting styles

What photographs should i send?

Certified Tanto

Inherited Tanto

The Nakago is important

Condition and restoration

How the selling process works

Sell a Tanto collection

Not sure whether your Tanto is authentic?

Sell your Tanto

What our customers say

Samurai Art & Arms

Nihonto

Tosogu

Armor

Japanese Art & Culture

Ukiyo-e

Inro

Netsuke

Noh Masks

Sell Tanto

Sell your antique japanese Tanto

What Tanto do we buy?

What is a Tanto?

Signed and unsigned Tanto

What determines the value of a Tanto?

Tanto in Koshirae or Shirasaya

Aikuchi and other mounting styles

What photographs should i send?

Certified Tanto

Inherited Tanto

The Nakago is important

Condition and restoration

How the selling process works

Sell a Tanto collection

Not sure whether your Tanto is authentic?

Sell your Tanto

What our customers say