r/iaido

#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
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BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by ​⁠ＴＯＮＥＤＥＡＦ

Not really iaido, but maybe of interest.
In my last trip to Japan - which was awesome - I had the opportunity to to some bamboo tameshigiri in yoroi on a day trip to Ibaraki. It was my first time cutting bamboo and my first experience to wear armour.
The most interesting part was wearing the kabuto. It interferes with my typical postures and movements. You can see me hit the maedate (the crest) several times, and I have to constantly readjust to account for the helmet.
On this same trip I earlier had the chance to experience Jikishinkage Ryu which is a "katchū" kenjutsu - armoured context. It was a struggle being so different from Itto Ryu. So this was an immediate illustration so some of those aspects.
I cut with fairly minimal power. It's not necessary - only focus and correct hasuji. Each fail you see is simply a lapse in concentration - there was a lot going on (the people around me, the condition of the sword, the helmet and armour, etc.) - and was immediately corrected.

Anyway, really great and fun experience!

Don’t you love when you sheathe your katana infront of your already wounded opponent and they get slashed from all angles magically? Or when you cut an opponent but they don’t react, so a secondary magical cut finishes them off after you’ve already sheathed your sword? Very common scenarios that happen more than you’d expect.

I've been practicing ZNKR Iaido for about 1 year and my dojo requires me to start using a proper Iaito for the next grading. I am looking for one right now, and I fell in love with the idea of using red thread for both the tsuka-ito and the sageo. I know my dojo is okay with this locally speaking, but I don't know if this could cause problems with inter-club events or competitions.

My colleagues all use very muted colors on their gear (talking dark blues, greens, and desaturated beiges - besides black), but I reckon this is a commonality with other clubs in the same federation. Some have very cool sageo but since I don't have much experience in competitions I don't know if they use them there or not.