Wakizashi Identification

[NtheCollector]

A wakizashi recently came into my collection, but I'm struggling to read the Mei. It is only on one side of the tang. I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could help me identify what it says, or possibly any origins of the blade. 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Might be KANESADA. It seems as if the NAKAGO had been "cleened" (= sandpapered) which is really very sad as the patina is gone. Big value loss! 

Is the blade longer than 303 mm (measured from the notch on the back just above the HABAKI to thr tip) ?

[NtheCollector]

35 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

Might be KANESADA. It seems as if the NAKAGO had been "cleened" (= sandpapered) which is really very sad as the patina is gone. Big value loss! 

Is the blade longer than 303 mm (measured from the notch on the back just above the HABAKI to thr tip) ?

 

I noticed the improper cleaning from the previous owner too, it's disappointing because the blade itself was also cleaned that way, and is left in a rough condition with no visible hamon left. 

 

The blade itself from the Habaki to the tip is 279 mm, roughly 11 inches

 

Thank you for your response!

[Nobody]

The second kanji is a mystery.

I guess that the mei could be 兼裳 (a variation of 常) – Kanetsune. 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Nicolo,

then it is not a WAKIZASHI but a TANTO. A desirable form of a Japanese sword, but in this neglected condition, there is not much that we could say. I can only strongly recommend to let a professional polisher (= TOGISHI) have a close look at it. If the basic condition was still good (= the blade has not been in a  fire or so), it might be saved. There are some of these guys in the U.S. so sending it to Japan is perhaps not necessary.

But a complete restoration will not be cheap!