J Ambrose

Thanks Ray. Can you translate that to English, or is it all a proper name?

Hello all, I have been unable to find anyone that can translate the mei on this little knife. Seems like a couple of the Kanji are either too marred, or too weirdly styled. It came with a nice Kozuka, and I hope that this mei will inform me as to its maker or era. Please take a look and tell me what you think. It came with a nice Kozuka. Thanks for any and all comments,

Hello to all, I have been unable to find anyone that can translate the mei on this little knife. Seems like a couple of the Kanji are either too marred, or too weirdly styled. It came with a nice Kozuka, and I hope that this mei will inform me as to its maker or era. Please take a look and tell me what you think. It came with a nice Kozuka. Thanks for any and all comments, James A

Many thanks to you both for commenting. James A

Hello to all, Please forgive my recent multiple posts of less-than-fascinating swords: it's just that I am glad to have finally discovered a forum that can provide good information regarding my small collection. I ask that you view these images of a long wakizashi which I purchased a few months back. I would appreciate any and all comments that you might provide; especially if you have an opinion as to possible School, Smith, or Period of manufacture. Nagasa = 23.75" Nakago = 6" Width at Munemachi = 28mm Width at Yokote = 20mm Thanks for looking, James A

Rivkin, Thank you very much for your comments. I want to be certain that I understand your comment "The work has distinctive,...." With this comment are you describing characteristics of my sword, or characteristics to be expected on a sword by the Rai Kuniyuki? Also, I have been unsuccessful in attempts to see images of the mei of the Rai Kuniyuki. Can you send a Link or suggest a source? Additionally, I failed to mention that the Nagasa of my sword is currently 18.5". Since the original Mekugki hole was 3 1/16" from the newer hole, the original Nagasa would have been 21 9/16". I suppose that means this was either a long(ish) Wakizashi or a short (one-handed) Tachi. The blade is 21mm wide at its Yokote and 30mm wide at its Munemachi. I add this information since it might perhaps aid a knowledgeable person in determining whether the sword is Edo or pre-Edo. Finally, the only reference book I have for Japanese swords is "The Samurai Sword" by John M. Yumoto, which I purchased in the early 1980s. I could probably benefit by purchasing a more exhaustive reference book. Do you recommend a good reference book for an old man wanting to learn new things? Thanks again, James A

Thanks for confirming KUNIYUKI. Since most items I typically collect are no older than the American Revolution, anything older than 400 years seems old to me. However, I am hoping that this sword is older still. James A