Markus

AFAIK, their definition is: A blade, signed in tachi-mei or unsigned, in shinogi-zukuri that is ubu (or has just the nakago-jiri slightly cut off), measuring around the ballpark of what constitutes a long sword, and that dates not later than Nanbokuchō. From the Muromachi period onwards, such a blade needs to be signed in tachi-mei to classify as a kodachi, otherwise its going to be either just a wakizashi or a katana, depending on the nagasa.

I was asked if I could jump in and clarify. Its a super confusing topic, but as Jacques pointed out, the general rule is an IS vs. WAS. I will put down my notes below. Traditionally, and currently, the NBTHK uses the following classification. Buckle up, hehe: Tachi (太刀) for a blade that still IS or can STILL BE recognized as such, that is, a blade intended to be a tachi, which means a blade meant to be worn carried edge down suspended from the waist cord. This can, but must not depend on the time period it was made. Tachi were prevalent before the Edo period, but tachi were still made in the Edo period and later. Production time is a major indicator, as is the placement of the signature. First, katana (see definition later) were not common until the late Muromachi period (16th century). Long swords made up to that time were most likely intended to be a tachi. Second, Japanese blades were traditionally signed in a way that has the signature face outwards when worn. Thus, when suspended from the waist cord, edge down, the signature is on the side with the cutting edge facing to the right when you hold the blade tip up in your hand. There were exceptions (Aoe School, etc.), but that is the general rule. Accordingly, when you have an unshortened long sword predating the late Muromachi period, or a somewhat shortened blade that retains its signature on said side, it is classified as a tachi by the NBTHK. An unshortened, but unsigned long sword from the Edo period may still be classified as a tachi by the NBTHK if it is prominently of a shape that copies earlier tachi shapes. Katana (刀) for all long swords in general that measure above of 2 shaku (60.6 cm) and that CAN NOT be recognized as a tachi. (FYI, even after being shortened to an extent that the entire original tang is lost [referred to as ō-suriage], a blade still classifies as a long sword as long as it measures more than 2 shaku.) There is no “katana now, but originally a tachi” in the nomenclature currently used by the NBTHK. For context, katana is the abbreviated form of the term uchigatana, which originally meant “striking shorter sword” (there was no textual distinction between dagger and short sword in early periods, only long sword, tachi; ANYTHING shorter was called a katana). Uchigatana (打刀) for all swords in hira-zukuri measuring noticeably above of 1 shaku (30.3 cm) and to around 2 shaku (60.6 cm) in their ORIGINAL, unshortened condition made before the Muromachi period (when short swords in shinogi-zukuri started to become common). This was the then period term for that kind of sword, or blade, and it is still followed. If a blade from said period and construction measures just somewhat above of 1 shaku, it will be classified as a wakizashi, even if other terms existed for it in the past (e.g., hira-zukuri ko-wakizashi, ō-tantō, ō-danbira, sunnobi-tantō, etc.). NOTE: Even if late Murmachi period long swords in shinogi-zukuri were still referred to as uchigatana in contemporary texts, those are currently classified as katana by the NBTHK. Wakizashi (脇指・脇差) for all blades measuring between 1 shaku (30.3 cm) and 2 shaku(60.6 cm), regardless if made to this length originally or shortened to this length later. If a tachi was shortened to below the length of 2 shaku, it is now classified as a wakizashi. There is no “wakizashi now, but originally a tachi or an uchigatana” in the nomenclature currently used by the NBTHK. See above for the exception of an uchigatana classification. Hope this is helpful.

Hm, I only see one descriptive line in the Setsumei, the last one, stating "we are in agreement that the blade displays the characteristics traditionally associated (with this smith)."

Thank you very much. Ron!

What I would like to add is that this is nothing but a contribution to advancing the field, virtually no personal/financial gain. I am sounding like a broken record, but just filling gaps and connecting dots that have not been filled/connected. Adding the estimated revenues overview will underline that. So, that said, if you want to grab a copy, please go at least to Lulu, not Amazon, lol 😇

Whilst working on Vol. 5 of the Tosogu Classroom, I wanted to announce that another book of mine is available now. The title says it all, I think, and more info via the link to Lulu.com. Thank you all for your attention 🙏 https://www.lulu.com/shop/markus-sesko/Japanese-swordsmiths-and-their-honorary-titles/paperback/product-p6nzdqp.html?q=honorary+title&page=1&pageSize=4&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnDXRG2QBMuwy018jIYFwUzBgA_gTiz7WnkcpyM1FUlVhtBsN_CjEijgTRhLg_aem_jJuFwFFFfDmMSqA57H9ORQ

@Jussi Ekholm That walking around part, I did that once and got lost, lol. Walked too far... That was before the smartphone era. A retired local taxi driver "rescued" me and when he asked me what I was doing and I explained I am a sword nerd, he drove me around to show me all the historic sword making sites. He had to quickly stop by his house to tell his wife he will be late for dinner that day, haha. Fond memories.

So, the NBTHK made a mistake. ToBi No. 135 was issued in April of 1968 when the blade was already a JuBun in the new system, but they still reference it as a Kokuhō.

Could not find him either. Looks like we have here an unrecorded smith, Yasuchika (保隣), and his art name, Ichi'enshi (一簷子).

Thank you Glen @GRC ! Happy to attach the other indexes here too. Volume1_Index.pdf Volume2_Index.pdf Volume3_Index.pdf

Hi Grev @kissakai, I am attaching an index here. Volume 5 will contain the big Mito School, plus a couple of others that didn't fit in Volume 4, but much of Volume 5 will be the color part of selected pieces for most schools/artists introduced throughout all volumes. Volume4_Index.pdf

Hi Grev, the project is a joint-venture of the JSS/US and NBTHK AB and EB, and the conditions were laid out that the set will only "go live" when it is completed, i.e., all five volumes out. Until then, it will be direct order through me. Thank you for your understanding.

Forgot to add: For those who did not have prepaid, you can purchase Volume 4 at any time as well. Also, I would like to sincerely thank @Grey Doffin and Barry Hennick for their continuous support proofreading this series! My English can cause serious head-scratching sometimes 😇

Ladies and gentlemen, we are making progress on all fronts! Volume 4 (660 pages) of the Tosogu Classroom project is completed and ready to go. I am initiating the orders for those who have prepaid for the set. As always, if you have any questions, or would like to inform me about an address change, please get in touch with me via markus.sesko@gmail.com.