browntrout

One last image... Ray stated that this mark was "Do / Michi," and so you can see the nakago-jiri. By the way I have others, but they are of the mounts, etc..., which are all WWII. Sincerely, Greg.

Hello everyone, Ray Singer was kind enough to provide the following translation of this tang, "My best guess is. 越前__康継入道. Echizen __ Yasutsugu Nyudo." Now I need to match up the sword to the name (ideally), and would love any input from anyone on this topic. I only have the following images from my colleague who asked for help (I am an International Society of Appraisers credenled appraiser, and specialist in Asian art, antiques and antiquities, and a few times a year people come to me with swords as clients and/or colleague ask for help, so I offer to do my best). I am happy to ask for better images from my colleague if you need them, and I have posted these previously in the Translation Forum... So, does the Hamon, Kissaki, etc... fit Echizen Yasutsugu... Thanks. I am always impressed with the level of knowledge here! Sincerely, Greg.

Oh, I forgot to address you point about altering things..., as a guy in the arts, antiques and antiquities biz, I do know not to alter anything, unless a conservator, or maybe in this case a Shinja, says it is okay to do so, or they do it and/or refer you to who can do it, etc...! Be well, Greg.

Bugyutsuji, Interesting, thanks for the lesson! Always good to expand understanding. You know, I thought about the hybrid idea, but thought I may be talking out of, well, you know! Also, in searching for seppuku "knives" I saw that it said this was almost always done with a tanto or wakazashi (katana being too long), not a smaller knife like this, so your info makes a lot of sense! I have been printing out everyones comments for a file, for future reference! Very cool to interact with knowledgeable, skilled people, and it always humbles me, thanks, Greg.

BUGYOTSUJI, I think you may had a very good idea about this possibly being an "Ainu" knife. They are apparently called Makiri (also simply meaning "small sword" in the Ainu language). However, the Ainu sheaths and handles are almost always shaped differently than this one, which looks more like a tiny katana or tanto. So, I think your first thought of it being a "Tosu/Toshi 刀子 (small knife) (sheath knife)" is likely the accurate one. However, I understand why it MAY BE Ainu, due to the carved scabbard and blade... Check these links out: https://www.mandarin...sion.com/type/makiri, and this, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:National_Museum_of_Ethnology,_Osaka_-_Small_knife_(Makiri).jpg, However, look what I just found for Suppuku knife in a search, almost the same dragon on the blade - but both of these seem awfully short... could this be a poor samurai's knife, or, better yet, a fake one for tourists in the late 1800's into the 1900s, or even occupation period for troop souvenirs? https://www.liveauct...orimono-dragon-blade. The other suppuku blades all seem to be longer then these... Anyway, just looking and thinking using your help. Thank you again, Greg.

So Ray, I needed to read about Do / Michi. Interesting, and appropriate for being on a sword! Here is an interesting link talking exactly about "Michi - Do." Thank you for the interesting lesson(s)! Sincerely, Greg.https://www.rkagb.com/michi-do/#:~:text=An initial tangible meaning road,path (Michi%2FHodo).

Bugyotsuji, I wish I was as educated as you are about this, as I would love to give an answer... but alas, that is why I am here asking much more knowledgeable folk for help! Thank you for the thought, I can look into that, as it is at least a lead! Sincerely, Greg.

PNSSHOGUN, thank you for your comment. The images I received from my colleague are not the best, but I will post them here for your initial look. If you would like to request specific images, I will ask for them. I consider myself a neophyte at Swords, just know a bit more than the average citizen due to my work, thanks, a few courses, etc..., but need to handle a lot more, and be with people who know even more so, thank you, Greg. P.S., I am not sure how to post multiples of images, so I will do my best here, but it might require several postings... GCB. P.P.S., I have more images, but do not believe there are any that are of any importance, other than these right now.

Brian and nobody, thank you for your kind replies. I had not seen this type of knife ever before (that I am aware of). That simples everything for this piece a lot! Sincerely, Greg.

Mei 於武州江戸越前康継 oite bushū edo echizen yasutsugu [金象嵌] 二ツ筒落 中川左平太 (花押) [kinzogan] ... nakagawa saheita (kao) Type Katana Tsukurikomi Shinogi-zukuri Nagasa (cm) 75.95 Sori (cm) 1.6 Moto-haba (cm) 3.15 Saki-haba (cm) 2.4 Moto-kasane (cm) 0.7 Saki-kasane (cm) 0.6 Mekugi 1 Nakago Ubu Attribution Smith Yasutsugu School Shimosaka Period Momoyama (1570-1615) Year

Maybe: YAS975YasutsuguMusashi Kanei (1624-1644) 康繼入道作 yasutsugu nyudō saku YAS975YasutsuguMusashi Kanei (1624-1644) 康繼入道於武州江戸造作 yasutsugu nyudō oite bushū edo tsukuru kore

Well Mikaveli, my colleague gave me no history about them, but I will ask and get back to you on it. I suspect, from the two katana's, that these were brought back from WWII by a soldier, likely the owner or their father, but I will need to ask, and will do so, Greg.

I forgot this was also in the images sent, and if I am not being too bold, a translation would be helpful... Thank you all. I thought the blank side of this blade was interesting too, Greg.

Your best guess is FAR beyond my abilities, so thank you! I will work with it. You are a scholar and gentleman Ray, thank you. Greg.

Wow! You have really well tried eyes and experience Ray! What images, other than the other side, would you like to see for this ideally? I am happy to request them from my colleague. Thanks again, Greg.