u/StudioGDT

#ForSale

Ashigaru Armory AA17-1800 越後守包貞 Echigo no Kami Kanesada (Gimei) Katana in Katate-uchi Koshirae

$1800USD plus shipping and any applicable taxes

https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/nihonto-katana-aa17-1800-echigo-no-kami-kanesada-gimei-katate-uchi-light-tameshigiri

Overview: This sword appears to be a Shinshinto era gimei tribute to Echigo no Kami Kanesada. It features a lot of the hallmarks as the pieces it is based on, but it is clear it is not in the same category as originals. That does not mean this is not an interesting sword however...

Firstly we find it mounted in katate-uchi koshirae. The nakago is long enough that it absolutely could be mounted with a two handed tsuka. Speaking of which, the tsuka does not appear to be "modern" in a traditional sense but was modified at some point and had a quarter panel of samegawa added featuring large emperor nodes. It is clear it was an addition. The koshirae itself is fully functional and Iai\Tameshigiri ready.

Next and probably the most unfortunate part is a false kesho polish that appears to be buffed in by machine. While not etched, it is clear it was not applied by traditional methods. Based on other characteristics of the steel, the "polisher" seems to have followed the original toran-ba temper line. Some very clear nie is present and they sword itself appears to have been a quality forged sword with no critical flaws.

Lastly and possibly the most interesting part is the tsuba. It is signed "Efu-ju Akao Yoshitsugu" and when compared to known rated examples, it appears to be a match. It is possible this could be sent for paper.

As I always say, every sword has a story to tell, and while it may be a quality gimei tribute to Echigo no Kami Kanesada, the unassuming Akao school tsuba appears to be authentic.

Ready to use as a one handed sword, used two handed by smaller hands/frames or, to have a new two handed tsuka produced.

Type: Katana
Class: Light Tameshigiri
Period: Shinshinto (est.)
Nagasa: 69.2cm
Sori: 1.3cm
Mekugiana: 1
Nakago: Unmodified
Mei-Omote: 越後守包貞 "Echigo no Kami Kanesada" (gimei)
Yasurime: Kesho
Hada: Itame
Motohaba: 27.9mm
Sakihaba: 20.9mm
Motokasane: 5.6mm
Sakikasane: 4.2mm
Blade Weight: 524g
Tsuka Length: 22.3cm (katate-uchi)
Overall Length: 99cm
Registration: No.85493 Heisei 16 (2004) 17th August
Antique Items: Complete. Tsuba signed Efu-ju Akao Yoshitsugu and appears to be a match to known Hozon rated examples.

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence.

Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory
BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by ​⁠ＴＯＮＥＤＥＡＦ

Savings applied in cart, no code needed!
www.AshigaruArmory.com

AA16-2000 Nozarashi Light Tameshigiri/Study Katana

https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/nihonto-katana-aa16-2000-nozarashi-light-tameshigiri-study-katana

$2000USD plus shipping and applicable taxes

Overview: This katana is full of attitude and mystery...its outward appearance is aggressive-from the loud pearl inlaid saya-nuri to the aggression of the sugata, the sword has presence...it also has a layer of the unknown...This sword appears to have been made some time post Shinshinto period-exactly when, it is difficult to tell. Potentially Showa 44 according to the mei but it cannot be trusted-The mei is unintelligible, almost as if a student were practicing which is what one extremely trusted expert believes this to have been made by-a student or understudy.

The sword was originally a massively thick and wide beast and has been re-profiled at some point. As such there is a minimal amount of hamon left and you can see where the shinogi was moved from its original location. That said, the sword still weighs an astounding 907 grams!

The blade does not feature any critical or major flaws and clearly displays masame hada, nioi and nie. The Koshirae is beautiful and flashy and the genuine leather wrapped tsuka is extremely tight and suitable for Iai. The wan-gata tsuba is rare and features shakudo hitsu-ume. A solid silver universal habaki was installed at somepoint. The nozarashi menuki do not appear to be any current reproduction stock and the higo fuchi kashira also appear to be vintage and of quality.

We have listed this as "light tameshigiri/study" on account of the narrow hamon. It is more than suitable for accurate strikes on soft target but we would not recommend this be used on hard or non-traditional targets.

This sword commands the attention of the room it is in, and its untold story is a mystery you might be able to solve some day!

Type: Katana
Class: Light Tameshigiri/Study
Period: Post Shinshinto (est. possibly Showa 44/1969)
Nagasa: 76cm
Sori: 1.55cm
Mekugiana: 1
Nakago: Unmodified
Mei: Unintelligible
Yasurime: Unintelligible
Hada: Masame
Motohaba: 30mm
Sakihaba: 18.9mm
Motokasane: 8mm
Sakikasane: 5mm 
Blade Weight: 907g
Tsuka Length: 23.6cm
Overall Length: 105.4cm
Registration: No.82939 Reiwa 5, 13th January 2023 (correction from video)
Antique Items: Complete

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence. 

Not wanting to spam three different listings, here is a link to the category page. Thank you for looking! (The photo on the thumbnail for the page is not a Japanese Iaito)