Need Help Identifying Tanto with Hitatsura Hamon — Signed “Ujitada Saku (氏忠作)”

[collector6]

Hey everyone,

 

Ive tried on Reddit and got nowhere, really need some help on thr background of this blade.

 

I’m trying to learn more about this tanto I recently acquired. It features a beautiful hitatsura hamon, and the tang is signed 氏忠作 (Ujitada saku — “Made by Ujitada”).

 

I’ve been told it could be Shintō or Shinshintō period, but I’m not sure. The hitatsura hamon shows clear Soshu influence, and the grain pattern (hada) appears to be itame with some mokume mix.

 

What I’m hoping to find out:

 

Has anyone seen other tantos by Ujitada with this kind of hamon?

 

Is this mei consistent with any known Ujitada smiths?

 

Any thoughts on period or region?

 

Is this something worth submitting to NBTHK or NTHK for papering?

 

Any help or direction would be super appreciated. Thank you!

[Rivkin]

I think second kanji is different, but it is Soshu, it can be Meiji/Showa, or it can be like end of Muromachi with a cleaned nakago. Light from above is the worst, usually photography is done in dark room with light on a side.

[Tohagi]

For a "young blade" those fukure along the hamon are an issue.

In the other hand, the style of the meï is sharp and don't sounds koto...

I would have guessed early shinto, but absolutely not sure.

[collector6]

This is a very helpful start! I just can't seem to find any mention anywhere of an Ujitada completing a blade like this with Hitatsura hamon. Maybe it's just a one off?