Tweet
I am not really an avid sword collector, but I do like old stuff (kind of like me) and I sort of fell into a deal on this sword.
What I have been able to find out so far is the makers surname is Kaneshige from Mino Prefecture. His first name is missing, likely cut off when the sword was shortened. Typical date range for Mino blades in this configuration is from the mid 1500's to early 1600's. There is another possibility that the Kaneshige that made it was active as a sword maker in the mid to late 1400's. Whichever Kaneshige made it, it looks as though it is most likely either a early "New Sword" or a late "Old Sword".
The grain of the metal is called a burl pattern as it resembles the grain in a wood burl. The Hamon (temper line) is a Suguha, or straight pattern. While it is in kind of rough condition, the blade is still sharp enough to cut the poo out of you if you aren't careful when handling it. The scabbard is the typical wood covered in leather for military use and it has a small repair at the bottom using a different kind of leather than was used on the original cover.
So what I have is a very old family blade that was captured during WWII. Unfortunately the guy I got it from failed to get any kind of a back story on the now deceased vet that brought it home so I have no idea of where it was captured.
All in all, I don't think I did too badly for the $150 I paid for it.
What I have been able to find out so far is the makers surname is Kaneshige from Mino Prefecture. His first name is missing, likely cut off when the sword was shortened. Typical date range for Mino blades in this configuration is from the mid 1500's to early 1600's. There is another possibility that the Kaneshige that made it was active as a sword maker in the mid to late 1400's. Whichever Kaneshige made it, it looks as though it is most likely either a early "New Sword" or a late "Old Sword".
The grain of the metal is called a burl pattern as it resembles the grain in a wood burl. The Hamon (temper line) is a Suguha, or straight pattern. While it is in kind of rough condition, the blade is still sharp enough to cut the poo out of you if you aren't careful when handling it. The scabbard is the typical wood covered in leather for military use and it has a small repair at the bottom using a different kind of leather than was used on the original cover.
So what I have is a very old family blade that was captured during WWII. Unfortunately the guy I got it from failed to get any kind of a back story on the now deceased vet that brought it home so I have no idea of where it was captured.
All in all, I don't think I did too badly for the $150 I paid for it.
Comment