Ray Singer

Sharing the entry below from Sesko's compendium. I've always seen this read as Shizu__ for this group of swordsmiths. SHIZUTOMO (鎮知), Enpō (延宝, 1673-1681), Iga – “Hizen no Kami Fujiwara Shizutomo” (肥前守藤原鎮知), real name Takada Mo´emon (高田茂右衛門), he came originally from Bungo´s Takada (高田) but moved later to Nabari (名張) in Iga province, he signed his name also with the charaters (鎮智), gunome-chōji-midare, suguha

Appears to be a mumei Shinto katana attributed to Hizen (no) Kami Shizutomo -肥前守鎮知.

It is unfortunate the nakago was so abused. 予州波止浜住橘宗広作 - Yoshū Hashihama-jū Tachibana Munehiro saku, and dated January, 1945. He was a very good smith.

I don't know that I can help you find the Honjo Masamune (any more than I am able to help myself do so), however a couple of quick items. I actually just posted a video on the Honjo Masamune a few weeks back, with some informtion which may be helpful in general in learing about the sword: I see now that the koshirae for the Honjo Masamune appears to have remained in Japan, perhaps rediscovered but likely never left Japan, and was displayed at an exhibition: https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/桃山展「本庄正宗」の刀装初公開/

菊一文珠金重作 Kiku Ichimonju Kinju saku

It is not a sushi knife. This is a wakizashi, the photo of the inscription is very unclear but I would take a guess that this is signed __ Kinju saku. The copper habaki has a kamon (family crest). The blade is in shirasaya ( a plain storage scabbard).

Sadamasa. This appears to be a WWII - era (Showa period) blade. Best regards, Ray

This mei is an early one from the Gassan smith Enomoto Sadayoshi (the mukansa). He worked at the Hattori sword factory during the war, and later changed his name to Sadayoshi. Take good care of the sword and please do not do anything to polish on your own. Best regards, Ray

Not late 1945. This is January, 1945. Shogatsu.

If the date were authentic then around 624 years old, however my impression is that the mei is not an authentic example of Oei Bizen Yasumitsu. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=51f7e736cc3ae313&rlz=1C1YTUH_enUS1164US1164&sxsrf=ANbL-n5ZA1YvSe7fFuacZEAz9Ky50sgU8w:1770829463352&udm=2&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpaEWjvZ2Py1XXV8d8KvlI3ppPEReeCOS7s1VbbZz2TLt2sOibMbYx2XAHg-v8xM5VF21PBaI65iLKFQqYKyuNIrDnm7F1EBiwvvxej7VarpUVOsmaAouY6YfTb0P07uvJ1kSkBvJv3ZPqOgqj5jRBD5oez8Cr0DJEYrGkGqbLAnVBWawLvlnnreVGZ3Efk-KXWnq72g&q="備州長船康光"+"応永"&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizqvvo9dGSAxUvhIQIHXlgCJMQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1085&bih=790&dpr=2.5

Signed: Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu - 備州長船康光 Dated: Oei kyu nen hachi gatsu hi - 応永九年八月日 (a day in the 8th month of the yar 1402)

Izumi (no) kami Kanesada.

Hi Yoon, my impression is that this has 'Yamato (no) kami' as a title rather than indicating production in Yamato ('Yamato no kuni' or 'Yamato ju'), as shown in that entry above. That said, I cannot locate another example of this mei.

Perhaps 大和守外永作

Wakizashi attributed to the second generation Omi no kami Fujiwara Tsuguhira.

Hi James, you will need to attached a larger, higher resolution image in order to receive feedback. The details cannot be seen these photos. Show each piece clearly, front and back. Best regards, Ray

An authentic antique Japanese sword. The wakizashi blade is signed Kiyoshige and the kogatana blade (small knife) is signed Daido.

Kanekado December, 1944

From what I can see, this is shingane. The appearance is typical (a patch of darker, fairly featureless jihada as an island in a more 'normal' body of jihada for the kawagane).

The previous Yoshimune with Hachiman Daibosatsu inscription did sell offline shortly after I received it, however I just received another interesting Takahashi Yoshimune which appears to have been made as an utushimono of Izumi (no) kami Kanesada. Please message me to discuss further. Best regards, Ray

The mei (inscription) reads Norimitsu. At a glance, this does not look like an authentic mei of the smith from the Bizen Norimitsu lineage.

I missed your comment about the existing shirasaya. There are sayashi who can clean old scabbards if there is any accumulated material inside. John Tirado and Josiah Boomershine are both individuals that I would recommend.

This gives the impression of being a Sue-Seki blade (late Muromachi period, 16th century, Mino province). While I do think this is worthwhile to consider for restoration, the condition is not abhorrent and it appears that everything can be seen and appreciated for the most part. So, you may want to consider keeping it in its current condition.

Shoami.

Very much appreciated, thanks @Jussi Ekholm!