Tamashigiri , cutting test

[Tengu1957]

Katana , signed Mutsu no kami Fujiwara Tsunashige
70.5 cm
Shinto Kanbun  circa 1670
Student of Tsunahiro , Kotetsu was said to also have been a student of Tsunahiro
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon. NTHK Hozon

Tameshigiri or cutting test sword
Recorded on the Nakago 
Shibazaki Denzaemon Masatsugu cut with this sword on the 28th day of the second month of Kanbun 10 (1671) year of the dog, through two bodies, the upper one across the collar bones and the lower at the lower abdomen ( the pelvis ) and entered the earthen mound below. Kao or personal seal of the tester

This is a difficult cut for two bodies since most were alternated through the stomach. To go through the sternum and spine of the first body and pelvis of the second body is amazing ! The pelvis ( Riogaruma ) is the most difficult cut.

[Shugyosha]

Gary, do you have any swords that I don't want to own? You have a great collection and provoke some serious sword envy.

[Tengu1957]

I feel the same way about a lot of swords I see on the NMB !!!!!!!