Got to be chicken scratch, right?

[Infinite_Wisdumb 41]

[SteveM 1,913]

小本太夫　Komoto Dayū (other readings possible).

 

Could be a real name, could be a fake name. I don't think you'll find any swordsmiths with this name, so its almost assuredly not a mei. Maybe some random person who wrote his name on his sword. Could be a name someone scribbled on to the sword to make it look somehow authentic.  Looks a bit deliberate to be scratched by some random guy, but who knows. 

(Dayū would be a strange name for a guy, so it probably has a different reading).

 

 

[Bazza 1,635]

Chinese attempt?? Looks very unskillful.

 

BaZZa.

[Ray Singer 3,633]

This looks like the typical ‘Mei’ seen on Chinese fakes.

[Infinite_Wisdumb 41]

Thanks Steve, Barry and Ray!  So many landmines in this hobby!

[Bazza 1,635]

Hmmm, where is the BOOM! emoji.  I love Jesse M's comment "So many landmines in this hobby!"  Mate, you have not yet begun to collect!!!

 

BaZZa.

[Infinite_Wisdumb 41]

LOL Barry.  Ive almost stepped on a few already and may have stepped on one with the pouch pin purchase