New Katana | Nihonto Club

New Katana

Submitted by Andy on Fri, 2014-08-15 10:02

Help with name of smith and translation

Hello Every one
I have a very nice and interesting katana. Very nice temper line.
Per 1940 by the shape,
I would appreciate help to translate the signature of the smith,,
Thanks
Andy

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	#1Submitted by saipan59 on Sat, 2014-08-16 00:23. maybe Ujufusa The signature is perhaps "Shinoda Ujifusa". The "Uji" part is uncertain - it could be something else. Based on the very limited view in those 2 pictures, I doubt that it is pre-1940. But I could be wrong... How about a few more pix? Pete Login or register to post comments


	#2Submitted by Andy on Sun, 2014-08-17 08:22. New Katana Thanks Pete You are probably right, It is the same shape blade as my 1942/43 made swords. More pics today, Original polish and very different fitting. Tanks Andy - Andy Login or register to post comments


	#3Submitted by saipan59 on Sun, 2014-08-17 16:59. Seki stamp That little mark above the signature is a "Seki stamp". It means that it was made with "shortcuts" during the war. Pete Login or register to post comments


	#4Submitted by Andy on Tue, 2014-08-19 07:47. Seki stamp I was lead to believe that when a swordsmith supplied a sword for military use it had to be inspected and approved and this was the approval stamp. I am interested to know the real meaning of the Seki stamp andy - Andy Login or register to post comments


	#5Submitted by saipan59 on Tue, 2014-08-19 17:28. Seki and Showa Yes, that's true, but it's not the whole story. Stamped blades were made with "shortcuts" (to make them faster/easier), then sent into the military distribution process, where they were marked with the stamp, and made available to officers that needed them. Traditionally-made blades (I believe) did not pass through the military approval process. These blades usually were already owned by the soldier (family heirloom), or were purchased from the smith by the soldier (new-made blade). In almost all cases, stamped blades are a lower level of quality. The Japanese govt will not allow them to be imported into Japan, because they are "weapons", not "art". The common stamps are Seki and Showa. There are a few other types, but they are rare. Pete Login or register to post comments


	#6Submitted by Andy on Wed, 2014-08-20 07:49. Interesting information Thank Pete I can under stand what you are saying . I will take other look at my collection to see how many swords I have with Seki or any stamps I have, Thank you for the information. Andy - Andy Login or register to post comments