Dogditcher

Thanks-found this on a military site -seems the same "The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 濃 州 松 田 兼 高 作, which is read as NOSHU JU MATSUDA KANETAKA SAKU. This roughly translates to "made by Kanetaka Matsuda in Mino Province". Research indicates that smith's real name was 松田 高市 - Matsuda Takaichi, so in this case Takaichi is their given name, while Kanetaka is their "swordsmith" name. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Kaneaki was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), who stamped the blade with the 関 (Seki) mark. They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work."

Listed as ARMY MOUNT ARMY MOUNT 27 3/8" KANEHIRO* My observations Nice Flowing Hamon Seki Stamp Large ? As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve * When i put listed as -that is what is in the journal it probably not spelled correctly but written as what was heard*

Thanks Conway He must have listed this wrong and a Nagamichi may be still be out there with an incorrect listing-we shall see -I did look up this Smith Miyoshi Nagamichi and was from Edo period and associated with the Shinto school of swordsmithing and this blade showed to not be of that age - I did discover this information below if I have the correct Smith- Kobayashi Naomatsu Kobayashi Naomatsu was a prominent Japanese sword smith, known for his skilled craftsmanship. He is often recognized as one of the top sword smiths in Japan, and his creations are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. His swords are admired for their sharp edges and beautiful hamon (tempering pattern). Here's a more detailed look at Kobayashi Naomatsu's work: Skill and Expertise: Kobayashi Naomatsu is a master craftsman, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and mastery of the sword-making process. Hamon: His swords exhibit a distinctive hamon, which is the characteristic tempering pattern on the blade. This hamon adds to the aesthetic appeal and functional properties of the sword. Katana Creation: Kobayashi Naomatsu is known for creating beautiful and functional katana swords, a staple of the samurai warrior class. Legacy: His swords continue to be prized by collectors and admirers, ensuring his legacy as a skilled swordsmith.

Listed as ARMY MOUNT 26" SHINTO/NAGAMICHI* My observations Clasped Hands Sarute Nice Flowing Hamon Long Mei Inscription As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve * When i put listed as -that is what is in the journal it probably not spelled correctly but written as what was heard*

I have taken additional pictures and removed handle to help Thanks for the reply's

Will post this sword on the board later tonight-enjoy

A little back story -These swords are my father in laws. He getting older and hasn't looked at these in a Quite a few years. So i have been pulling them out to clean and oiled which he has enjoyed -So now when I go over I pull a few out and take pics to post on here to learn what they are.Thanks to everyone here I am able to share information on each with that he does enjoy.Was there today and will post 4 more but we are almost threw all of them I am still amazed that i could be holding a blade that is so old and still in nice condition

Sam finally got some blade pics-thanks

Listed as ARMY MOUNT 25 3/4" MUMEI My observations Blade is not as wide as others i have had in my hand Family Crest on the Kabuto-gane ? Tsuba is cut out Nakago is narrow and shows of age As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve

The Habaki appears to be silver- I would say that this in hand in my eyes is more than a tourist trade item I may try to remove handle just to see whats there-not sure if its pressed or mechanically fastened Thanks for the reply's a couple more pics

Thank you gentleman I actually could find some info on this smith "KANENAO (兼直), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kanenao” (兼直), real name Ishihara Kanenao (石原金直), born May 25th 1908, he studied under Amachi Suzuichi (天地鈴市) and worked as a guntō smith"

Listed as ARMY MOUNT 26 3/4" - KANEMICHI ? My observations Clean Blade Nice Hamon Showa stamped As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve

Listed as ARMY MOUNT 26" My observations Showa stamped Kashira is Unique Nakago seems to show more age than other Showa Blades I have to compare with As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve I just would like say that I am appreciative to everyone in Military Swords of Japan who have taken the time to reply and to put up with my lack of knowledge when I list a sword -

It is listed as a Kimono knife -(not sure there is such a thing) * When i put listed as -thats what is in the journal it probably not spelled correctly but written as what was heard* As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve

*TANTO 8 1/2" FUJIARA SADATSUGU SHINTO UMETADA SCHOOL * * When i put listed as -thats what is in the journal it probably not spelled correctly but written as what was heard* As always Translation and any information is appreciated Enjoy-Thanks Steve