Lexvdjagt Posted November 21, 2025 Report Posted November 21, 2025 I am hereby offering this Echizen Rai katana. Specifications: Blade Length (Nagasa): 69.2 cm Curvature (Sori): 2.1 cm Mekugi-ana: 2 Nakago: Ō-suriage, mumei Dimensions: Motohaba: ~31.3 mm Motokasane: ~6.8 mm Sakihaba: ~24.3 mm Sakikasane: ~5.3 mm Bare Blade Weight: approx. 737.6 g Type: Shinogi-zukuri Blade Description: A stunning Nanbokucho period katana attributed to the Echizen Rai (越前来) school with recent NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers, and previously attributed to Sa Kunihiro (左国弘) by Tokubetsu Kichō papers. Both attributions place this sword solidly in the Nanbokucho period. Although this sword clearly is not the work of Sa Kunihiro, the old paper was still preserved. I find it interesting to see how older NBTHK papers can differ from new papers. The blade exhibits classic Nanbokucho characteristics, including a wide Motohaba and longer kissaki. The jigane tight itame in certain areas, which can be well observed in some of my images. There is also Mokume, and overall Jigane that reflects previous older Rai works. There are sections where the hada stands out more prominently. Ji-nie is present throughout, giving the steel surface a rich, textured appearance. The hamon is a suguha-notare temper with activity visible, a lot of nie can be observed. See my Hamon images for a proper idea of the hataraki. The bōshi is Omaru, and is still very visible. The nakago is ō-suriage, typical for early Nanbokuchō swords, with two mekugi-ana. The sword is fitted with a habaki and comes in shirasaya (with reinforcing tape applied). Condition Some scratches can be observed, with one longer scratch visible on the images; all flaws have been photographed and are visible on the images. The scratches are shallow and do not distract from the blade itself. There are no significant ware of imperfections on the blade. It is a very clean Nanbokucho Echizen Rai blade that is ready to be appreciated. Image disclaimer The overview images of the entire blade had their background removed. Please do not use these images as a reference for the condition of the blade, as they have been altered. All other images are unaltered. Sometimes my camera can be seen in the reflection of the blade in the bohi. These are not imperfections. Price: €3700 Free shipping inside EU Shipping outside EU available for a small additional cost (€20–40) Shipped with UPS Express, fully insured to full value Located in the Netherlands – pickup possible Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. 4 3 1 Quote
Lexvdjagt Posted December 1, 2025 Author Report Posted December 1, 2025 Price reduced to 3600 EURO Shipping to the US is possible. I will give a discount to US clients to compensate for the (possible) tariffs. 1 Quote
Barrett Hiebert Posted December 7, 2025 Report Posted December 7, 2025 Lex, I will put a deposit down to reserve it and make an affordable payment plan after my two wakizashis are paid off from Aoi Art if you are able to wait that long. Please check your whatsapp messages and NMB forum messages. I should of thought of this before I made the deposit to reserve the Aoi Art Fujishima wakizashi as a gift for my friend. I just hope no one is showing interest in such a blade and you'd be able to wait and we would be able to come to an agreement. For I know you know I'm honourable and dependable, true to my word and have the money coming in monthly assured from my lifetime government payouts monthly after military service in Afghanistan. Though I know you are super busy with work... So please get back to me as you are able, preferably as soon as possible if able. I would love this blade to be the Daito with the Aoi Art Fujishima Wakizashi being the Shoto for my good friend for his birthday, as they both have full bo-hi and would be a great interconnected theme. Both blades would be great gifts and it gives me a good philanthropic reason and excuse to study two more blades before gifting to my friend. Then I swear no more blades until more research is done and I save up for a Juyo piece and of course defer to your greater expertise, knowledge in doing so. Though I'd love to help you out more if you'd be so kind and patient to do so as per my finances permit. Best regards, Barrett Hiebert Quote
Lexvdjagt Posted December 19, 2025 Author Report Posted December 19, 2025 Still for sale Lowering the price to 3500 EUR 1 1 Quote
Nazar Posted January 8 Report Posted January 8 Hi Lex, If the sword will be available again, please, message me. 1 Quote
eternal_newbie Posted January 11 Report Posted January 11 @Nazar there is another Echizen Rai sword up for sale: 1 Quote
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