help with swordsmith info Kanemichi 包道

[Mark]

I have a sword signed (kiku) Iga (no) kami Minamoto Kanemichi 包道

 

Reseaching this smith is interesting. There seems conflicting information. This is not the Mishina smith, he is Osaka Shinto. Many books show one generation, others show 2 (first used Fujiwara, second used Minamoto). So i think there were 2 generations and mine is the second. Hawley's and Toko Taikan rate him as mediocre, Fujishiro has him as chusaku (not sure if the reference is second of if Fujishiro thinks one generation). Shinto Taikan has the maker who used Minamoto listed but seems to say first gen. yet the Nihonto Meikan, lists 2 generations has him (2nd) as "superior" (has doubled triangle). He also had permission to use the Kikumon on his tang (page 75 Tomei Soran).

 

Has anyone else researched this maker or know about him? It seems strange that the Nihonto Meikan rates him well and he uses a Kiku yet other references mix him and his father/teacher or seem to consider him mediocre.

 

Thanks!

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Toko taikan says he used both Minamoto and Fujiwara in his mei.

 

It could be interesting to see the sword and the nakago.

[Mark]

i agree, but the Nihonto Meikan and others show 2 generations, first (fujiwara) who was student of Kaneyasu and second (minamoto) who was student of the first along with Echigo Kami Kanesada. Yamanaka newsletters show 2 generations andso do several other books

 

quick pictures added

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

The one in the Shinto Taikan (shodai kanemichi) uses Minamoto.

 

I would say if this wmith is not well recorded, it's likely because he was not skilled enough.

[Mark]

I was thinking the same, that he was no one special, but then why does the Meikan give him a "superior" rating? and using the Kikumon was not that common

[Jacques]

Hi

 

It's a misprint IMHO.

[Mark]

that may be a possibility but i look to the Nihonto Meikan as the best source, there have been a number of revisions and i would think they would have corrected most major mistakes. Certainly is an interesting research project

 

any other comments/opinions appreciated

[cabowen]

mark-

 

While it is never certain from photos, it looks like a high quality piece of work. The nakago is well done, the hamon looks attractive, etc. It also looks to be made around Kanbun if the shape as seen in the pictures is accurate...I would be very happy with it....

 

And, for what it is worth, there are mistakes in the Nihon-to Meikan.....