Info on Wakizashi

[Misterbovigoren]

Hello, I purchased this wakizashi blade on ebay and am wondering if anyone can help me with info on it: the maker, any info on him, age, where I should have it polished etc. I wish to have it restored if possible, and saw a restoration service in Portland Oregon called "Japenese Sword Restoration" with a recommendation from Fred Lohman, is this place legit? Thanks! https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxztZzJpKK/?igshid=1f5iy7ye23h1g

[Misterbovigoren]

Oops, I apologize, it was Chris Lohman who vouched for them, not Fred. 

[Misterbovigoren]

Hopefully these help with identification.

[Misterbovigoren]

Disclaimer, I was given the name "Sadahisa Saku" and found him listed as 1467-1489 for active years, but just wanted to check here to verify. Thanks again.

[Jean]

Yes, SadaHisa saku

[Katsujinken]

Just to be clear, 'saku' is not part of the smith's name. It essentially means 'made this.'

 

Ted Tenold (http://www.legacyswords.com/) is another polisher who is 100% legitimate and does great work. Do you know how to properly care for the blade in the meantime?

 

If not here is a good primer: http://nbthk-ab.org/cleaning-maintenance.php

 

Ignore anything about uchiko – you don't need it and shouldn't use it.

 

Good luck!

[Misterbovigoren]

Thank you for the information!! I know to keep the blade lightly oiled and do change the oil monthly, I will read the link you sent me for further knowledge. Thanks again!

[SteveM]

Yours looks like 来貞久作 (Rai Sadahisa saku)

 

This is a signature that doesn't show up in my online searches.

In Markus Sesko's swordsmith compendium, there are three smiths who used the name 貞久: one who worked from 1532-1555, one who worked from 1596-1615, and another who worked from 1661-1673. None of these three used "Rai" in their name, as far as I know. ("Rai" is a family/lineage of swordsmiths).  There was a smith in the late 1600s who signed 越中守来貞幸 (Etchū no kami Rai Sadayuki), so I would guess your smith may be related to him since they both use the same kanji for Sada (貞) and both are claiming the "Rai" lineage. The timing feels better also, since the wakizashi comes into wider production from the 1600s.

[Misterbovigoren]

Thank you so much steve!! I am honored to receive feedback from all of you, it is very deeply appreciated! I found this, does that look helpful?

[SteveM]

You need to look closely at the kanji on your sword, as there are many kanji that have identical readings.

The kanji on your sword is

貞久

 

And the kanji you are showing me in the book is 

定久

 

You need to be looking for swordsmiths who signed with 貞久.

 

 

 

 

 

[Misterbovigoren]

I see... That will help! Thank you Steve! 

[dwmc]

Dave M.

Rai ??