Greetings,
I recently purchased this nihonto through an auction in Japan via a local seller. This is actually my first nihonto, but I had the opportunity to learn a great deal during this process. I bought it as a set in Type 98 fittings, along with with shirasaya, tsunagi, etc.
However, this blade confuses me. According to the Torokusho, the mei translates to Bizen Kuni Kanemtisu. If my research is right, it would supposedly date to the 14th century. I found that dubious, and I went forward assuming that it was likely a gimei- especially because the blade lacked NBTHK papers. However, what has sparked my interest is that it actually has a tachi-mei. Additionally, the hamon extends down the nakago past the machi, and the kissaki lacks a boshi. To my understanding, both may be signs of suriage. This leads me to wonder if perhaps this was originally a Koto tachi cut down to a Wakizashi. The blade is just under two Shaku (1 Shaku, 9 Sun, 3 Bu) I'll post all of the measurements and photos below. I'd love any feedback, and please advise if I can provide any more photos or information. Thank you!
Nagasa: 58.5 cm
Sori: 2.7 cm
Moto-haba: 2.95 cm
Saki-haba: 2.02 cm
Moto-gasane: 6.5 mm
Saki-gasane: 3.25 mm
Nakago: 13.2 cm