2 replies to this topic

[Opelap]

Recently received a blade in shirasaya frrom my in laws. Story is it was brought home by my wife's grandfather. It is corroded but the date and mei are readable. Just looking to identify what I have to take care of it correctly

It has a Showa stamp, and I translate the date as Sho, wa, ten, six, ?? So Jun. ?? 1936?

I think the second character on the other side is tsune but can't find the first. Hamon looks good but can't really see the hada. Any insight into the smith and possible quality of the blade would be great.

Also is there a way to clean the blade at all? I don't want to polish it, but there seems to be some gunk on it I would like to get off if possible

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[ROKUJURO]

Opelab,

welcome on the board!

Please sign all posts at least with you first name plus an initial as is requested here.

The first KANJI of the MEI is probably MASA. Although the SHO arsenal stamp hints to a mass produced blade, the HAMON looks quite attractive. There is probably no HADA to be seen as the steel was not traditionally folded.

The date looks like SHOWA 16, so probably 1942.

There is a good possibility to damage the blade with uneducated polishing attempts, so it is a good idea to ask before you start the angle grinder! Please read here on the board about care, maintenance and polish.

Enjoy your blade and take your time to learn about it. 
  

[cisco-san]

Hi,

 

welcome on board.

 

My guess is Masatsune:

MASATSUNE (正恒), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Masatsune” (正恒), real name Amachi Reiichirō (天地鈴市郎, first name also reads Suzuichirō), born. September 23rd 1894, he worked as guntō smith and died May 12th 1949, Fourth Seat at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Denrankai (新作日本刀展覧会, 1941)