Mei translation

[aabderson]

Can anyone help me with the translation of this Mei? Thanks in advance! 

[Ray Singer]

Please see below for information on Mantetsu-to. 

 

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

 

[aabderson]

@Ray Singer, thank you for the quick translation. In doing some quick reading, I am curious. Were the “mantetsu” blades water quenched or oil quenched? I always understood that water quenched blades were traditionally made and showato were always oil quenched. Is that accurate? 
 

Do mantetsu blades always have a suguha hamon? 

[Bruce Pennington]

Alex,

Several of us at NMB put together an extensive write-up on the Mantetsu operation here - SMR - The Mantetsu Blade.  It will likey explain all your questioins.

 

Your Koa Isshin is number NA 716, dated Spring 1941.  The "NA" series of production was the last in 1941, so it was more likely made in January-April of 1942.  They used a Fiscal year in dating that began each April.  And at 716, yours is now the last 1941 dated blade we have on file, before the 1942 numbers begin.

 

The massive majority of them were suguha hamon (straight).  We have some very rare examples with wavy hamon, but most are straight.  I'd have to go re-read the article to see if it is mentioned how the blades were quenched, I don't recall, but I do recall some debates over the years where guys believe they were water quenched.  That still wouldn't make them qualify as "traditionally made" though as they were made with Chinese (Manchurian) steel.  SMR made a tube of softer steel and inserted a rod of hard steel, then electrically bonded them, before hammering out the sword shape.  So, nothing there would be traditional.

 

You've got a great sword there, and many of us really value the Mantetsu blades.

 

@Kiipu @BANGBANGSAN