Smith Ratings Question

[Vermithrax16]

This is a list of Shinto smiths, ranked. I am not looking for a discussion of the levels of a particular smith, but does anyone know what on the right side are the "special" ranks? What do they mean? 

https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/shinto.htm

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[mywei]

Not really familiar with this sumo-style sword ranking system, but it states "The senior, older, established swordsmiths were given special honorary ranking outside the regular east-west blocks"

 

This list also seems to encompass the Shinshinto period also btw

[Vermithrax16]

Thanks Matt, have not seen anything like this so it was confusing. He references:

"This listing of Shinto era swordsmiths utilizes the same ranking method as that of ranking Sumo wrestlers. It was compiled by Tomita Kiyama in 1933 and published in the Nihonto Jiten Shintohen in 1935."

 

So can look into that I guess.