This is my friend's practice katana. It's a modern production blade, either Korean or Chinese, but the beauty of the hamon inspired him to customize it using traditional Japanese techniques. He crafted the entire koshirae and performed the togi (polishing). Essentially, everything except the bare blade and the saya is his custom work. The theme of the tosogu is "The Path to the Temple"
#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
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.
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BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by ＴＯＮＥＤＥＡＦ
I can't make heads or tails of this, maybe somebody here can. I tried using an app, but it can't make heads or tails of it either. Something something "I don't speak Japanese"
Seriously though, any help is appreciated.
I’m very big into swords, all kinds of em- my grandfather when to an estate sale and brought me a couple that he found as a gift. I’m doing research and can’t seem to identify where this sword comes from or who the smith/marketer is. The smiths name is not on the blade- and there that mentions the type of steel. (Sorry about the random Minecraft photo)
Looking for any advice or assistance on researching this katana that was presented to a family member upon leaving Kobe in the late 1800s. We’d love to know more about it and possible value and/or rarity. Thanks in advance!
I'm a history teacher and looking to get a decent replica of either a shin gunto or kyu gunto for demonstration in my classroom. Are there any decently accurate replicas that are available. Dull is a must and affordable is helpful (teacher salary 😭).
Credit to forum member "spaciousthree4" for the information.
I want to get a replica of Zoro's Wado Ichimonji, and came across this. I know nothing about katanas, and i'd mostly just have it for decoration (no cutting or anything like that).
Direct link: https://www.swords-and-more.com/en/One-Piece/Wado-Ichi-Monji-by-Roronoa-Zoro-katana-40406/ .
also found this https://romanceofmen.com/collections/katanas/products/wado-ichimonji?variant=42810776551614 more expensive but right on budged (120€), but 60 days to get it seems a bit off for me.
I live in the EU.
Any toughs? Thanks!
Hello everybody!
Im thinking about getting a custom VERY budget entry level katana for myself. I know the most popular forges are Hanbon, Ryanswords, Swordis, Shadowdancer and they really have a lot of costumization options but I just cant imagine how they look irl. My main worries if lets say I want a red sword is that the tsuka ito and saya color would be in a very different shade even if I choose similar colors.(I hope you get what I mean) So I would like to ask the people who actually ordered a sword from mainly these forges(other ones are fine as well if you recommend them) to send in their pieces so I can envy them and actually see what they look like. If I could ask please put a price with your photos if you are okay with that so that I know when something is in my budget or not.
Thank you for everybody in advance who chooses to help me!
Edit: Some additional info I am from Europe I dont want my blade coloured And my budget is like at max 300usd
Iron sukashi tsuba depicting plum blossoms.
My full collection can be found here: https://www.just-tosogu.com/
There is what looks to be a Japanese swordsman/samurai on the guard of my katana, is he a real guy, or a fictional figure?
Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Tokyo and took the opportunity to look for a **nihonto** to add to my collection. I visited a dealer who showed me these three katanas. My budget was around **€5,500**.
**1.** **¥1.2 million**. Hozon with the newer NBTHK papers, but no koshirae. The hamon is absolutely stunning, and it was also the dealer's favorite.
**2.** **¥1 million**. Hozon with the older NBTHK papers, signed (mei), and comes with a koshirae.
**3.** **¥800,000**. Mumei with Tokubetsu Kicho papers. The koshirae is beautiful and complete, including the kozuka.
I'd really appreciate your thoughts on both the prices and the swords themselves. Do these seem like fair prices in today's market? Which one would you choose and why?
All of them seem to be from de early/mid edo period. Thanks in advance!
