Sunny

Not too sure .... I was wondering the same thing. The hamon on this blade has some quality to it. It's a Tachi length though

There's no need to beg Bruce. You're my peer and I would be delighted to help you in anyway I can. I believe it's a chief Nagoya inspection stamp and the date is 1943.

a very nice piece

you're very welcome The blade is a tachi mei and I believe it's hand made judging by the quality of the hamon. The cutting edge is 66.4 cm. i dropped the price to $1000 US Shipped express If you're interested I have lots of photos I can email you.

Price drop to $1000 US

Price dropped to $1300 US

not sure if you were addressing me or someone to make a comment with a far greater knowledge than me on WW2 smiths so I just commented below with some small info.

I know the stamp is a Nagoya cheif inspector arsenal stamp You can find the signature and some info on the Japanese sword index website. I believe this smith is an above average swordsmith of the 1940's. I haven't done much studying of recent smiths but this katana is not machine made and the quality of the hamon looks of a gendaito. Your best bet is to ask another member with a lot more knowledge of WW2 smiths.

some pics are up in the For Sale category It's actually signed Kanetaka. Spelling mistake.

This standard length katana blade is in excellent condition with a beautiful suguha hamon. The tsuba and seppa are marked # 7. There is some slight damage to the saya. The signature is Kanetaka and there is a small arsenal stamp and it is dated 1943. There is also inspection paint on both sides of the tang with red paint on one side and black on the other. It is a standard length katana.Please DM your email for more pics if you are serious about buying. $1600 US shipped express surface parcel with tracking. I'm open to an offer. No trades.

Great Information find Bruce and source of knowledge it’s these reference finds that help me day by day to learn more

how much are you looking to spend ?

Interested in selling this piece ? ...... It's amazing

beautiful piece ...I love it

Agreed

If you're still looking I have a next to mint Kanetada katana with an arsenal stamp. It has the inspection paint on the tang. The military dress koshirae has a few bumps and scratches. The 4 matching seppas are number 7 off the press Metal saya.

I love the hamon This is a very typical hamon of Sukesada that has a great temper line. A very nice piece for a new comer to the hobby or current Sukesada enthusiast. Thanks for the share. Wish I seen this post sooner for I would have bought it myself. What can I say ..... I'm a sucker for a jagged choji hamon. Cheers brothers

Sometimes they try to pass off swords that look like they are from the 8th to 10th century Japan with signatures but I have a feeling most the swords they have are being made by someone because they seem to have the same craftsmanship and quality of steel. Lately they have had some of those very same blades look as thought they have been intentionally rusted when the blade hasn't turned out right. Lately they also have had some katanas up that look modern with a couple with very good quality hamons however I believe they are being made by a modern maker just as the others. I asked the person who runs that account and they said that they buy these swords from auctions around the world but I don't buy that for one minute ...no pun intended. Cheers

Agreed ...I even gave them a heads up being very polite as to not make the mistake of a new hobbyist making the wrong decision. You can't tell any of those guys though. I usually tell them I wouldn't take that sword for $200 free shipping just as to be as honest and direct as possible yet somehow they think I'm still trying to work out some angle to rip them off. I can't stand one of the guys on Ebay in the Military listings selling everything as a WW2 family ancestor sword. One of the swords isn''t even signed. Bat s**t crazy I tell you.

if you plan to resell in 10 or 15 years it's a good buy to admire till you sell later. I would only suggest the purchase for the love of the sword and your heart felt passion on the maker and the history hence the danger zone. He or she ...the seller wants top market price or value which is why I stated if you want to buy to sell this will be a long stretch for you. Every one including and more so Steve being one of the most knowledgeable and helpful on here has the right idea with todays market. (enter Top Gun soundtrack here) .... " You're on a highway to the DANGER ZONE !!!!! " Cheers

Hello I am waiting for a sword to show and I need a habaki for it. i was wondering if you would do a piece for me and what's the average fee for your art? Thanks for your time

Thanks Yes it's very nice. I'm actually relieved for now because I sold a different sword and i get to keep it. Cheers

Please shoot me a PM if you're interested Yours truly Steven