Help with Gendai "Stamped" Mei

[Mark]

I have a Gendai katana (clear hada and nie with activity). Other than the painted assembly number there is only a very small "stamping" on the tang. It appears to be a name, i think ___Naga. Does anyone recognize who used this stamp? I am trying to figure out the maker. Any thoughts appreciated. I can try and email pictures if the ones i am trying to attach are not clear.

 

Thanks!

[pcfarrar]

I once had a gendaito katana signed Kanenaga that had very similar jigane to the one you've pictured. Occurs when the steel is only folded 3/4 times I believe.

[Mark]

Peter

 

Thanks for the lead, i will see if i can find anything on Kanenaga using this type of mei. I had thought the first kanji might be Shige but Kane is a possibility.

 

Any other suggestions appreciated.

[Stephen]

try cleaning out a bit of the active rust then do a smoke, see what comes out.

[Mark]

Good idea to clean it out, I did that and it seems clearer. I am not experienced with using smoke but ti think it is easier to see now. I still think ShigeNaga, anyone else?

[Stephen]

Looks like Shigenaga to me

and on Rich S site

http://home.earthlink.net/~ttstein/shigenag.jpg

is all he has in his search site.

[Mark]

Thanks! that is certainly a match, so i know it is Shigenaga...... Now i will have to try and find some more info on him. If anyone knows who he was or what group he was in please let me know