T.C. McLane Custom Kaiken in Curly Koa

This incredible Japanese style kaiken (dagger) has a high polished carbon steel blade, most likely 01, and features a straight back blade with beveled spine and a maru-dome (similar to a fuller groove) on either side. The blade is anchored with a copper habaki that's sealed with silver along the spine.

The handle and leather lined saya are made from curly koa and ornamented with wrought iron damascus tsuba (hand guard), koiguchi (opening fitting), kojiri (endcap)and kashira (pommel). The kojiri and kashira both feature fine silver and copper makume-gane (non-ferrous damascus) set in wrought iron damascus fittings. The kashiri is held in place with a wide copper pin on both sides, surrounded by a thin shito-dome (thin ormanentation). The blade is held in placed with a dark polished tapered pin just above the oval shame-kawa made from either white ray or shark skin.

The saya features a kurigata, a small loop that used to fasten the saya to a belt and also appears to be made from curly koa with matching damascus fitting. 

This knife shows no signs of use but there is oxidation on the copper habaki which also  shows wear from the friction fit of the saya.

Total Length: 305mm
Blade Length: 170mm
Weight: 340g

We believe this knife to have been handmade by Thomas C. McLane sometime in the early 1980s. Though very little information can be found about McLane himself, we believe that he was a bladesmith and blacksmithing instructor working out of Tucson AZ. It was originally purchased from the maker at the Solvang Knife Show in the late 1980s. 

We don't typically work with knives that aren't inherently culinary or utilitarian, but these knives were too impressive to turn away and continue to surprise us with the quality and fine details of McLean's work. This knife was received with second knife and a pamphlet from the maker.

The pamphlet is pictured for informational purposes only. Copies can be provided with purchase. It was received with a second knife that is equally impressive and is listed separately but can be sold as a pair (pamphlet included) for $5,000. Please email info@bernalcutlery.com to arrange the purchase of the pair.

Please direct any questions about this knife to info@bernalcutlery.com, especially if you have additional information about the maker.