Saburo Akihide

[Jim Manley]

I thought that posting these photos here would hit the group most interested in Gunto Smiths and that all would enjoy this O-Dachi.  It is in Kamura-Otoshi-zukuri form with a nagasa of 111.5 cm (44.9") . It is signed Hikosaburo ju-hachi sai tsukuru. (Hikosaburo made this at age 18). The Ura says (In commemoration of the triumphal return of my brother Sadayoshi from the war against China.  Before going further, we have to thank John Tirado for his unbelievable work in resurrecting the original saya and Nick Benson who according to his father did all the polish work.  I'm sure all will appreciate the work involved in working with this huge, heavy blade.  He brought out features, most of which can only be discovered with the blade in hand.  I hope to bring this blade to the Chicago show next month, if that event occurs. However, my youngest daughter is scheduled to present me with another grandson at about that time....... we'll see. 

 

To give a sense of scale I included another blade, a Yoshihara Kuniie, 28" + in length.

[Jim Manley]

Some Hada, and Hamon photos 

Jim

[Bruce Pennington]

Incredible!  This would be a great addition to the Large Shin Gunto thread.

[Mister Gunto]

Wow! Very cool blade

[vajo]

Monster blade! Congrats. 

 

I would say this is a crew Tachi for a fighter pilot. If you run out of ammo you can fight further by opening the canopy and attac the ground forces. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Air cavalry sword!

[Jussi Ekholm]

Very nice, thanks for posting this Jim.