SwordGuyJoe

Sword Information: Type: Katana Sugata: Shinogi Zukuri ​ Mei: Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa Date/Era: A lucky day in March, 1974 School/Den: Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu Mon Tradition: Soden-Bizen Authentication/Papers: NTHK Kanteisho Sword Details: Nagasa: 67.1 cm Mihaba: 3.4 cm Nakago Jiri: Ubu, Kurijiri Yasurime: Kiri Mune: Iori Jihada: Itame Hamon: Active Choji Midare, with Sunagashi and Kinsuji Boshi: Komaru, w/ Short Turnback ​ Smith Information: Rating: - Toko-Taikan: 2 Million Yen - Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke: East Block, Maegashira Smith Details: Shigemasa (繁政), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Tōkyō – „Shigemasa“ (繁正), „Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa“ (酒井一貫斎繁正), „Tōtō Jōhoku ni oite Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa kinsaku“ (東都於城北酒井一貫斎繁正謹作), „Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa“ (酒井一貫斎繁政), „Sakai Shigemasa hori-dōsaku“ (酒井繁政彫同作), civilian name „Sakai Hiroshi“ (酒井寛), he was born on August 19th 1905 as third son of Sakai Yasujirō (酒井安次郎), the younger brother of Miyaguchi Shigetoshi (宮口繁寿), in Shizuoka, in 1925 he started his apprenticeship as a swordsmith under Kasama Shigetsugu (笠間繁継) and became independent in 1932, he signed his name first with the characters (繁正), during World War II he worked for the forges „Nihontō-tanrenkai“ (日本刀鍛錬会) and „Ōkura-Nihontō-tanrenjo“ (大倉日本刀鍛錬所), later he lived in Tōkyō´s Itabashi district (板橋), as his master Shigetsugu he too was an excellent horimono carver, he died 1995 at the age of 91, during World War II he forged ten tantō for Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku (山本五十六, 1884-1943) who rewarded several persons with them for their merits in assisting the attack on Pearl Harbor which was also co-planned by Yamamoto From Markus Sesko's, "Index of Japanese Swordsmiths" Photo Credit: Fred Weissberg Sold 2% of the sale goes to the board, if sold here. I will offer a 2 day inspection period and allow returns, if I have misrepresented the blade in any way.

Sword Information: Type: Tanto Sugata: Hira Zukuri ​ Mei: Miyaguchi Ikkansai Toshihiro Kin Saku Date/Era: A lucky day in May, 1929 School/Den: Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu Mon Tradition: Soden-Bizen Authentication/Papers: NBTHK Hozon Sword Details: Nagasa: 19.7 cm Mihaba: 2.0 cm Kasane: 0.38 cm Nakago Jiri: Ubu, Kurijiri Yasurime: Kiri Mune: Mitsu Mune Jihada: Itame Hamon: Nie Deki Suguha, w/ Ko Choji Ashi Boshi: Komaru, w/ Short Turnback ​ Smith Information: Rating: - Toko-Taikan: 1.8 Million Yen - Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke: East Block, Yokozuna (Highest rating) - 6th Shinsaku Nihonto Denrankai: Special Honor Seat (Highest Rating) - Tosho Banzuke: Sai Jo Saku (Highest Rating) Smith Details: Toshihiro (寿広), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Tōkyō – „Miyaguchi Ikkansai Toshihiro“ (宮口一貫斎寿広), „Toshihiro saku“ (寿広作), „Miyauchi Toshihiro“ (宮口寿広), civilian name „Miyaguchi Shigeru“ (宮口繁), he was born in April 1897 as son of Yonezawa Kanjirō Masatoshi (米沢勘治郎正寿) in Tōkyō, he and his father were both adopted into the Miyaguchi family, after the death of his father he continued his studied under Kasama Shigetsugu (笠間繁継), he used the gō „Ikkansai“ (一貫斎) from August 1916 onwards, in 1934 he entered the Yasukuni forge, special-order blades were signed by him with the name „Toshihiro“, the larger numbers of blades he made for the Yasukuni forge were signed with his Yasukuni-name „Yasuhiro“ (靖広), blades made with western steel and some made by his students were signed by him with the pseudonym „Kunimori“ (国護), in December 1936 he entered the Ōkura forge (大倉鍛錬所) and died on March 21st 1956 at the age of 59, his posthumous Buddhist name is „Kantoku´in Han´a Shinshō“ (貫徳院繁阿真照), records say that he made about 500 blades for the Yasukuni forge From Markus Sesko's, "Index of Japanese Swordsmiths" Photo Credit: www.seiyudo.com Sold

It really is a peach of a sword! It really needs to be, since it is obviously outside of the focus of my collection. I saw the blade a few times before I just couldn't resist anymore. If it were going to remain mine, I would submit it for TH, as I believe it is that good. I am obviously not the NBTHK, so that's just my opinion.

More pics.

All, For sale is an excellent Soshu den, hira-zukuri wakizashi by Tamateru. The blade is absolutely phenomenal! The jigane is astounding, the Hamon is vivid and active, and the Sugata is stout and powerful. The blade comes with modest Koshirae and please note that the Kashira is cracked. I have about 40 high resolution photos found on drop box. They are decent, but let's be honest, I am no photographer. 2% of the sales price goes to the NMB and I offer a 2 day return policy, but need to limit the returns to be only if I misrepresented something - sorry, but I need to be able to count on the sale. If you haven't done business with me, I will be happy to provide references that will confirm my honest dealings. Sold The nagasa is 20.5" The sword have NTHK papers and as soon as I get a photo, I will add them to the post. I am not sure if this is shodai or nidai, but below is information on both from Markus' Index. Shodai: Tamateru (玉英), 1st gen., Bunsei (文政, 1818-1830), Ōshū – „Sōryūshi Tamateru“ (雙龍子玉英), „Ban Ryū́emon Tamateru kore o tsukuru“ (万龍右衛門玉英造野), civilian name „Arai Ryū́emon“ (新井龍右衛門), he came originally from Tome (登米) of Ōshū province, the village was then also pronounced as „Toyoma“, during his early years he signed with „Ban Sadanori“ (万定則) and made small guns called „chōjū“ (鳥銃), later he studied sword forging under Yasuteru (安英), a smith of Ōshū́s Ichinoseki fief (一関藩), but he learned later also from Taikei Naotane (大慶直胤) and Sendai Sadayoshi (定義), thereupon he was hired by the Date family (伊達), the daimyō of the Sendai fief (仙台藩) and elevated into the samurai class, his gō was „Sōryūshi“ (雙龍子), he died on the 22nd day of the ninth Bunkyū two (文久, 1862), muji-hada, gunome-chōji in nioi-deki, sometimes also with ko-nie and/or a sugu-yakidashi Source Rating Reference/Page Hawley 10 TAM12 Toko Taikan ¥1.5M 375 Nidai: Tamateru (玉英), 2nd gen. → Naomitsu (直光) Naomitsu (直光), Keiō (慶応, 1865-1868), Ōshū – „Sōryūshi Fujiwara Tamateru“ (雙龍子藤原玉英), „Rikuzen no Kuni-jū Fujiwara Tamateru“ (陸前国銃藤原玉英), „Sōryūshi Naomitsu“ (雙龍子直光), civilian name „Arai Ryūgorō“ (新井龍五郎), he was the son of Tamateru (玉英) and succeeded as 2nd gen. of this line, like his father he studied under Taikei Naotane (大慶直胤), he lived in Ōshū́s Wakuya (涌谷) and died in the 22nd year of Meiji (明治, 1889) at the age of 69 Source Rating Reference/Page Hawley 10 NAO105 Toko Taikan ¥1.8M 448 High Resolution Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4cxtyrlllzcnszv/AADdfE8Ph6tlyrgJpyUZmCk8a?dl=0

Thanks everyone. I thought I would sell some swords, but was reminded how great and supportive this community really is!

Thanks all for the well wishes. I really appreciate it gents!

All, I’ve been a little swamped lately, so not posting as frequently as I’d like. I’ll save you the sob story, but the divorce-man comes a calling, which means I need to move quite a few swords. I haven’t finished building out the list, but the sale will be 90% of what I paid, so even a dealer can make a few dollars and a collector can get a fantastic deal on an amazing blade. I just need to consider the handful of blades that are off the table (if any). Most here know what I collect, but I’ll be selling off phenomenal gendaito, Shinsakuto, and even a shinshinto piece. All are in excellent polish and all blades - save one - is papered (that can be if the Smith is still alive). If anyone is interested before I get the pages up in the next couple weeks, send me a PM and I can give you a run down. I know the rules and know that I’m asking for some leeway here, but 2% of all sales will go to the board and I’ve been pretty generous in sales and donation, so maybe that’ll buy me some good will? I will offer a 2 day inspection period and if the blade is misrepresented in anyway, I will provide a refund upon return of the blade.

I feel like I recently saw this blade for sale... could be wrong of course. If so, it’s a Shinsakuto tanto made by a student of Akihira.

Bruce nailed it. Kanetsugu.

This is what Markus has in his index on this Yoshisada (義定), artistic period unknown (gendaitō), province unknown – „Miyano Yoshisada saku“ (宮野義定作) Yoshisada (義定), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – „Yoshisada“ (義定), civilian name „Ishihara Jō ́ichi“ (石原錠一)

All, Just a gentle reminder on this. If you can attend, it will be well worth your while. We have been able to assemble nearly 40 Tanto from some of the best makers of the Meiji-Showa eras (Sadakatsu, Akihide, Toshihide, Okimasa, and of course Shigetsugu to name very few). We will have a handout from Chris’ lecture with mei and nenki translations, but I will also have a mock-up/example of a book/catalog I will be making on the display. There will be color photos of the blades, nakago, measurements, and details on the smith’s from Markus’ soon to come gendai project where available and where unavailable, details from Markus’ index (and maybe some other info where available). I will try to get an “org chart” layout of the smith’s “lineage”, but no promises on that one. I’ve yet to decide on a price, but the book will be spiral bound, color, and should be in the ballpark of 50 pages. I will be offering the option for advance purchase the book for a discount. This will help me not over purchase. Once I complete the mock-up and come up with pricing details, I’ll post it here. If you’re going to be able to swing through, I look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time. Stop by and say hi!

Bump

Bump. As we are trying to make this a fantastic display, If anyone is interested in including their Tanto in the display, please PM me or email at info(at)jsc-mw.com. Event page: https://www.jsc-mw.com/meetingsandevents

That blade is the reason he’s now on the list. I’ve looked at a lot of his work since then and really like it!

Our next meeting will be in conjunction with The Arts and Arms of the Samurai show. As with last year, Markus Sesko and Chris Bowen have graciously offered their time and expertise to help make this a memorable event. ​ Information on the show can be found HERE ​JSC-MW Meeting Details: The focus of our meeting will be the history of the tanto and a focus on it's role from the Meiji - Showa era. We will also be providing a display of Gendai tanto that will be one of, if not the largest display of its kind in the West. ​ Entry Cost: As this is a fund raising event for the JSC-MW, I will ask for a modest $20 donation to attend the lectures and see the display. If you're unable to attend the lectures and would like to view the display only, I would request a $10 donation. Please see below for topics and schedule: Saturday, October 20th from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm 2:00: Room Open 2:15: Markus Sesko The history of the Tanto, Classification, Types and Styles, including Q&A 3:00: Chris Bowen A study and lecture on the Gendai tanto (Meiji through Showa), including Q&A 4:00 - 6:00: Display of Gendai Tanto This conglomeration of tanto, created from the Meiji through Showa eras, will constitute one of, if not the largest displays of it's kind ever in the West. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to view blades created by the top craftsmen of their time. ​ ​ More Information please feel free to CONTACT ME

Most know my favorites, but here are my favorite post war groups and smith: - Miyairi Group: Fujiyasu Masahira - - Lots of amazing postwar smiths in this group, but Fujiyasu is my favorite. I believe he stopped competing, so he’ll never be mukansa, but he sure has the talent for it. - Yoshihara group: Ono Yoshimitsu, followed closely by Yoshihara Shoji (Sandai Kuniie) - - Some prefer Yoshindo or Shoji Yoshihara, but for my dollar, Ono Sensei was the best of the group and much like the Gassan line, even with Yoshindo’s son passing away, the school still has strong representation - Gassan’s: This is another close one, but I prefer Enomoto’s work - Ikkansai’s: This is my absolute favorite of all schools! I’ve had the privilege of having a sword by most of the big name guys, many post war. While I certainly have to give Ozawa Masatoshi an honorable mention - as his work is as good or better than most of the era, though I don’t believe he did make mukansa, my favorite post war smith (smith that made most of his work post war), would be Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa. His Soden-bizen work, coupled with his skill at horimono, saves him a spot at the top of my list. - - I should also state that Shigemasa’s best student (IMO), Takahana Ikkansai Shigehisa is quite good as well. Not as consistent as others on this list, but when a sword comes together, it REALLY comes together. Much like Masahira above, I haven’t seen Shigehisa listed in competition results for a few years and I would think if he’d compete, he would at least place. - Showa Kongobyoe: Tanigawa Moriyoshi - - My absolute favorite Smith that I don’t collect. While he is known for his Kiyomaro utsushi, his Soden Bizen work is what puts him near the top of the list for me. This is my list and if I’d own a sword from each of these groups, it would be these guys. I also like the Higo Akamatsu Taro smiths, who do a bunch of Kiyomaro utsushi, but they don’t make my top favorites.

Nagase Yoshinaga Saku (長瀬義永作). He was a smith that worked in Seki / Gifu.

It’s tough to say conclusively what era this is from the pictures. The sugata to me says shinto (perhaps Kanbun), but it could easily be shinshinto. To your question of cut or polish. I’m a collector and not practitioner, so as such, I’d say do not cut with it because you run the risk of damaging the blade. That said, I also realize it is your sword and you can do with it what you like. I would propose a third option and a strong recommendation. Send it to shinsa before deciding on which of the two options to engage on. There are shinsa’s in The US nearly every year now, if you need a faster answer, you could send to Japan. You’ll be into the blade an extra few hundred dollars, but the polish is decent enough that an opinion of what it is, when it was forged, and the group and potentially the exact smith that made it should be able to be rendered. With this, you will be able to know how financially viable a polish is and if it isn’t, the selling the sword should be “easier” as you can provide additional information that may help buyer decide to shell out the money. But again, I wouldn’t cut with it.

Good luck!

Congrats to you and the buyer alike.

Oh i know the code well. But every time Karl posts something, I think, “This is the one that’s finally going to click!” Sadly, it hasn’t yet.

Ive studied Kanehide blades quite a bit and outside of just that he isn’t a guy that would be faked, the mei is good.

What in the world are you trying to say? I can’t make heads or tails out of your post or your pics. I’m just trying to understand...