DadOfFour

That helps greatly! Thanks! So being made by him at Seki, that makes it Showato.....my understanding is that there were multiple "categories" of Showato be it the "wrong" type of steel, the quenching method etc etc. Anyway for me to determine what category of Showato work this blade falls into? My bad, must have missed that rule. Elijah

So, would that most likely be the name of whoever the sword was issued to?

So, typical "Grandpa's Sword" Story here. I've spent hours and hours trying to translate the knaji on the tang, other than getting a massive headache I haven't had much success :lol: So, if anyone can help me figure out what this says I'd greatly appreciate it! The order of the pics below is starting at the Tsuba and moving towards the end of the tang. Armory Mark, kinda faded but I believe it's Seki First Kanji 2nd 3rd Last