Seeking Help With Kanji

[PolishAvenger]

Hello all. A friend of mine has an uncle who has apparently owned this katana for decades without ever having the handle removed. Well, my friend talked him into disassembling it, and here is what he found.....

[Grey Doffin]

Koa Isshin mantetsu Saku.

Often translated as, "All Asia, one heart. Made with Manchurian steel."

Grey

[PolishAvenger]

Thank you so much, Grey! This opens up some territory of which I was completely ignorant.....not that that's an uncommon occurrence.

-Mark

[Ed]

I have always heard it translated as Grey put it. It is interesting when the "Ko" character is looked up it means rise, raise up, interest. I wonder if it should be read, Raise up Asia with one heart ?

[Bugyotsuji]

I think you are right Ed, but perhaps more like, "Asia arise!" (?)