Wakizashi | Episode 1: 1600s Japanese Sword

Introduction to my first long term project: making a wakizashi.
Since many of you asked, I bought the sword from this collector:
/ tokyoexpressdeli
If you are looking to order something I was also able to get this discount code for 10% off:
3SSXA83WWDDN
Not sponsored, I don't get commission for sales, it's just for your interest.
0:00 Unboxing
1:57 The plan
3:12 Disassembly
Thanks a lot for watching, I hope you liked the video!
Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Leave a like and share to anyone who might be interested!
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blackbeardproject.com/
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[@c0ldc0ne]

I briefly panicked when you said you were going to take apart an authentic 16th century sword. 😱

[@kenhukushi1637]

Unlike Western swords, they are designed to be easily taken apart. for sharpening with water stones. Also the handle would need to be replaced if the owner practiced often.

[@djamelhamdia134]

I was terrified too!

[@The93Momo93]

@@kenhukushi1637 it's crazy they actually designed to be modular at the time and with such details too

[@T_B]

Same! 🤣

[@kenhukushi1637]

@Tsunero In a way the steel part is "katana" and all the other parts are called "koshirae" (accessory) For long term storage, the blade may be set in a "shirasaya" (plain wood handle and scabbard)

[@Reijack]

I love that little blade integrated into the sheath, I've never seen that before

[@Simon-wr5lf]

yeah I agree. They are called Kogatana, I'm pretty sure they were used mostly as little utility blades.

[@Itsrianrobertson]

Used for picking toe jam from your nails and for cleaning your ears out ............

[@ericcartrette6118]

Absolutely fascinating! I can't wait to see your build. Last year, I bought a katana that was made around 1939. It is considered a war blade from WWII. If it were sent back to Japan, it would be destroyed because of its past and that it isn't considered a national treasure. Mine could use a little care but I'm afraid of messing it up.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Looks like this blade has also seen some combat, there appears to be a small ding in the middle.

[@killerbern666]

katanas made during ww2 (not all but most) we machine made for mass production, my fuess is that this is why they would destroy them because they are unpure 🤔

[@kurotetsuoni1315]

@@killerbern666 If I remember correctly, some soldiers in the Imperial Japanese military have their own swords which are made from tamahagane steel that are passed down from generation to generation but they had to swap out the original parts of the sword (such as the handle, pommel, and guard, etc.) with standard military sword parts, making them gunto swords. And during and near the end of WW2, some swords made from tamahagane steel were taken as war trophies but were eventually returned or something some years later.

[@hachimanjiro]

​@@killerbern666 ones made for NCO's and junior officers were mass produced but high ranking officers got hand forged swords

[@reptileman262]

I have always wanted a wakizashi of my own! this will be an awesome project to follow

[@sperber-knives]

That's crazy, think about how much this sword has seen. A relic from a bygone era. I look forward to the Projelt 👍👌

[@wah0wah]

This. Is. AWESOME!!! Can't wait for your rendition of this sword!

[@pehhii]

That is an awesome sword. Really glad you decided to release the progress into episodes. Looking forward to them.

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

That is one of the most gorgeous weapons I've seen in a while.

[@kasper_573]

This is so exciting! Looking forward to this so much!

[@Madlintelf]

Now this series should be interesting, that's a beautiful piece. I love how it's just pressure fit and came apart so easily, I'd love to see you replicate that. Have a great one!

[@sdangelo6]

Really looking forward to this Thx for all you do!

[@fredcrews7401]

This is going to be amazing. Really looking forward to it

[@erikfontaine1979]

Excellent project, looking forward to the future installments

[@curl-E]

So awesome! Can't wait to watch all episodes.

[@macedindu829]

Wow, very cool! Exciting project. Can't wait to see how it comes along.

[@huguesbon-marchand3828]

Already loving this serie

[@riuphane]

That has to be one of the most incredible things I've ever seen and you must be over the moon.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

I am :) Crazy cool

[@ALPACABOWLCOMPANY]

Fun project. Love the little knife in the sheath. 💚👽

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Wow! Adjust a gorgeous and piece of history! Really looking forward to this project! Thanks again!

[@jaibir2126]

That looks clean

[@fabiankropp1792]

looking forward to seeing this!

[@TheJCJexe]

Awesome! Looking forward to this build!

[@rickmoore]

What an awesome sword and great idea for a project. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you!!

[@abbazabba58]

Looking forward to the rest of the series, I am sure you are going to have a ton of fun making this!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you!! Bet I will!

[@danpro.u]

​@@BlackBeardProjects Qui (nella Repubblica Ceca), una simile spada Wakizashi è stata venduta all'asta per 1600 euro 5 anni fa.

[@robertgray9802]

I can't wait to see the finished product

[@TheStabbedGaiusJuliusCaesar]

This is going to be awesome.

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for video and update. This will be a very interesting series to follow. Will be looking forward for each installment!!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you!!

[@maneotis4g63t]

This is going to be a cool build!

[@vaughanth-iosiophakis9280]

Looking forward to the build! Never seen one with the little knife

[@NOFX0890]

Awesome piece of history there.

[@RIZMINE]

Awaiting for the exiting project for next week

[@philmcglen6194]

I'm really excited about this build, I can't wait to see how you get on. Good luck!

[@davidallred9143]

Best channel on KZbin

[@robertmanley7556]

This will be a wonderful project.....I look forward to each new video for it !! You always do amazing work this will be no exception !!👍👍

[@massimoserra4787]

First as I saw the sword, I was a little bit scared you would try to restore. ahahahaha Hope for a great project, my best wishes and greetings from Germany

[@thiagocarvalho2928]

This is one of my favorite type of swords, this one is a lot interesting. May God help you to forge one as nice as this one. Good luck, can't wait to see the result!

[@psycho3344]

That's a gorgeous piece of history you have there

[@Shane_O]

Look forward to the series 👍

[@adammorrison9026]

You are an Italian version of me. I bought a katana for the exact reason. Can't wait to see your next video

[@andymiller5611]

I am very much looking forward to this new project, dude!

[@Loneman_OG]

Ooooh, this should be good, I can't wait to see you get started! 👍

[@schulzcbs]

Very cool, looking forward to you vlogging the project! 🥳

[@robertoledda4131]

This is the best project so far, daje Roma daje

[@dankaczor8965]

It will be nice to see this build. Since you are doing it in an authentic way, I would do a traditional lamination method. But it is good to see that you are trying to replicate a historical piece.

[@playwithmatters7676]

Awesome. AWESOME. I wish i could have a blade like this one in my hands. I can't wait to see what you're gonna make from this !!! 😄

[@aka1gbr]

excited!

[@TundeEszlari]

Perfect video.

[@Mrpatataluvbanana]

The sword is so old yet still look sharp

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Man, that’s freaking cool. Cant wait to follow along on your Journey Gader.

[@re-fix9678]

Wow good

[@Einherjar_17]

Excellent project! I look forward to seeing the development, a hug from southern Argentina.

[@plooo3532]

That’s awesome 🤩

[@tomswindler64]

Nice little project,testing your talents as always,will make interesting watching.keep on doing what your doing and thinking and carry on.kudos 👍👍👍😎😎😎🗡⚔️

[@giceliovasconcelos4071]

Parabens aqui no Brasil gostamos muito desse conteudo .

[@russellwilliams5820]

This is going to be fun to watch! Your craftsmanship will definitely be showcased here! Keep up the good work, and good luck with the build!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks!!!

[@danpro.u]

​@@BlackBeardProjects Qui (nella Repubblica Ceca), una simile spada Wakizashi è stata venduta all'asta per 1600 euro 5 anni fa.

[@nathkrupa3463]

Great video sir thanks

[@atsuki4791]

Im from japan. Thank you for trying to Japanese sword. We often renewal the case of sword which is called KOSHIRAE. So this is the one of the choise that is polish ing the sword and make new KOSHIRAE. I have Japanease sword and I order same things to KOSHIRAESHI last month.

[@davidcamilli170]

awesome!

[@noriniku]

I watch your youtube every time from Japan.I love Japanese swords, and I also love your works. I'm looking forward to the big Dream project.

[@josephcormier5974]

This sir is going to be awesome I await to silent anticipation six stars brother

[@mikeybhoutex]

I'm excited to see this series, truly. When you said 'Disassemble' though, >.< But then it was ok and I learned a thing!

[@Osmoond]

Oh Wow !!

[@adrianlala5044]

I enjoy your videos and content I am sure you'll do something great 👍

[@theanvilofalgiz361]

Thats exciting. I always love it whenever someone makes a katana, wakazashi, or a tanto. I will tackle one some day, but they are intimidating! good luck, and I look forward to watching it!

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

beautiful wakizashi

[@texaswader]

This will be an interesting build. Is there a signature on the blade of the Wakizashi?

[@markgordon4368]

I made a few, they are really satisfying,

[@White_devil1980]

It’s a beautiful sword but it would be criminal to do anything to it 😬 I’m glad you are using the sword as a reference to make your own 😊

[@kevinjohn6254]

OK, you answered a question I had earlier. If he was taking it apart to use items off it to make his own or if he was just going to use the wakazashi as an example to build his own. I thought he was just going to use the 16th centure wakazashi as an example to build off. I feel alot better knowing he just using it as inspiration. You never know there are crazy people in this world. 🤪

[@noneyabidness9644]

That's *GORGEOUS* 😍🥰 Might be longer than a normal tanto, but the geometry is that of a tanto.

[@hachimanjiro]

Hira-zukuri geometry

[@noneyabidness9644]

@@hachimanjiro yes, thank you.

[@plunder1956]

I once knew a violinist in a serious London Orchestra. Her violin had a beautiful patina & was assembled with traditional glue, so it could be stripped & adjusted. When you see it done it looks terrifying because it's worth more than her house. Yet it's actually simple enough. Swords like this have that odd quality. But the craft is clear.

[@gammarayflash1170]

Will you tell us (one day) the story, how you got this Wakizashi from Japan? I'm really curious. 🙂

[@BlackBeardProjects]

I bought it from a collector I follow on Instagram :) Took a long time to get here by sea!

[@danpro.u]

​@@BlackBeardProjects emozionante e affascinante👍

[@gammarayflash1170]

@@BlackBeardProjects Thank you for your response. 🙂 Do you have plans to refurbish this sword? Removing the rust for example?

[@DeadRider88]

​@@gammarayflash1170 that would destroy its value

[@sanjurohanamizuki6181]

@@DeadRider88 not if was sent to a proper polisher , for that length blade it would cost 1700$ + to have polished by a professional , and they tend to have waiting lists

[@TroyArmstrong]

did I hear you saying that you want to make your own SUKA 🤔🤫🤭 it is so nice when you have your own Suka Сука 😇🤗 no matter how you do or what you do , it is always wonderful to watch your posts. another awesome post thank you

[@BlackBeardProjects]

'Tsuka' :) Pretty sure I won't spell any of the Japanese words correctly.

[@micah06v8]

I'm excited to see you attempt this. At the same time seeing one of these swords up for sale makes me sad. This is because it was probably forcibly surrendered at the end of WWII by the family it was made for. I really hope the place you bought it from worked with an organization that tried to return it to the family that it belonged to before selling it.

[@sanjurohanamizuki6181]

as far as I know , there is no such organization , even the NTHK only certifies and grades the blade ... trying to match blades with their original owners , with a very few exceptions , would be virtually impossible for a wealth of reasons

[@simonellerton1412]

Nice blade / And complete / The hamon is very well visible / //

[@MarcelTeugels]

Can't wait! Good purchase, Gader!

[@lukafilm]

This is so awesome!! Good luck!

[@Immortalaquarius]

My heart almost stopped when i saw this. I thought, "Oh no. Please do not try disassembling this completely. I hope he's not going to try and restore it. If not done correctly it would be a tragedy fir him and a disaster for the wakizashi." Thank goodness you explained you were going to make a copy using the original as a reference. Please accept my apology for thinking the worst. Please also retain the reverence you have for the restorations abd creations you do.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Ah! No worries! :) Glad I did not disappoint!

[@hachimanjiro]

More of a Ko-dachi with hira-zukuri blade and sugarha hamon a very nice piecev

[@user-od9ib2qn2b]

Wow

[@willd6515]

Congrats.....,if this weapon could tell!

[@zacherywilkinson5558]

I'm curious as to where you purchased the sword and additional pieces? Thanks! Looking forward to this project. My wife and daughters love your channel as well.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you very much!! I bought this, all together, from a collector I follow on instagram :)

[@sanskarjain7575]

Hello sir can you tell me which other sword used by japan in world war 2 samurai sword tell their names can you send me in writing your student thank you sir website purchase

[@heiko.h8263]

Well, interesting project!👍 Good luck! The wakizashi looks nice, but it would need some restoration by an expert. The tsuba is rusty, the blade needs a new polish and so on. And the most important thing: Please, never, neverever touch a japanese swordblade with bare hands.

[@brysonalden5414]

At the beginning of the video I worried that you were going to try to restore this one, so glad you're going to make your own version instead! Looking forward to this series.

[@phonotical]

Hard to believe that's maybe 400 years old given the condition!

[@nedimbuyukafsar6434]

👍👍👍

[@mumeito]

whoaaa, that's an old works.. please more attention in treating the blade

[@diymsthuanvt]

Tuyệt vời

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Will you be cleaning the original up?

[@kevinjohn6254]

Roughly, how much would a Wakazashi in this condition from the 16th century cost?

[@flashforum939]

Look forward to following the proces. Wonder how much such an old sword sells for...?

[@sanjurohanamizuki6181]

anywhere from 500$ to 10s of thousands ... depends on the condition , NTHK certification , quality of the craftsman etc. .... certified blades in polish tend to run the 2000$ - 5000$ range on average ... that wakizashi , being in poor polish and not having a grade from the NTHK would be close to 2000$ mark plus 1700$ + to have professionally polished . The cost only goes up from there if want to have it certified and then resubmit for each grade up till it wouldn't be awarded a higher grade , and a failed submission costs the same as a successful one .

[@atom8248]

@@sanjurohanamizuki6181 You could maybe get this one for a bit under 1k, but it's a bit older so I'm guessing it's just a bit over 1k.

[@addictedtoblades2]

Very cool wakizashi and project blade brother

[@Rsama60]

I watched all the videos of the series and I must say the Wakizachi turned out great. I am in the process making my first Tanto. Did you buy the rayskin at the same vendor as the old sword. I checked the instagram link and die not find any. I have rayskin leather but have not found any source for rayskin rawhide. Thanks

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you!!! Yes I did. Since I was buying the sword I kindly asked to also sell me ray skin and ito. And indeed these kind of things are hard to find and often not cheap :)

[@Rsama60]

@@BlackBeardProjects thank you for your quick reply. I think I need to use my last resort, ask a former colleague in Japan. The problem is he does not really know much about the sword making world and he might not have a source either.

[@albertobinda6397]

Amo questi video, non sapevo fossi italiano

[@noname65PL]

Out of curiosity, how much does this sword costed you?

[@danthemakerman]

This is going to be awesome! Hey man have you ever watched any "Crossed Heart Forge" videos? He makes some really nice pieces using traditional methods.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks man!! Yes! Awesome stuff!

[@mountainwolf1]

I don't mean to be rude but could you in the future grab the saya/scabbard with the cutting edge up and push the tsuba/hand guard with your thumb thank you🙇‍♂️ when you pull the Japanese steel in this case a wakasahi from the saya it creates stress and could damage it. Anyhow seriousness aside beautiful piece and congratulations on your find🙇‍♂️

[@alto2566]

日本から依頼が来るのはすごいですね！これはとっても楽しみ！

[@killerbern666]

how much did that cost 🤔

[@zippocrow]

Why are there no marks or dates on the hilt of the blade?

[@BlackBeardProjects]

There are! 4:08 but hard to see :)

[@sanjurohanamizuki6181]

there is a signature ... dates are rare .. and generally there isn't a signature beyond the grain of the steel , blade profile , shape and rust color of the nakagao ( what you call the hilt ) , number of drill outs for the mukugi as well as their shape , and more .... all of which usually only points to age and " school " like Mino , Bizen , Yamato as examples . An expert in the NTHK will give an attribution to a particular smith in the certification only if they are confident that all of the features resemble that smith's work specifically , and even with a signature present , it could be ruled to be forged which wasn't uncommon and also doesn't devalue the blade if the quality is there .

[@zippocrow]

@@sanjurohanamizuki6181 thanks for the detailed reply, I always appreciate learning more.

[@sanjurohanamizuki6181]

@@zippocrow no worries ^^