MrReaper2u

Does anyone have pictures of other Nakajima Kunishige swords? I have been searching since you guys told me he was the smith but I have been unable to locate any. Curious to compare what I have to other examples. Also, curious if you all had this sword, what steps would you take, if any, to "clean/fix it up" or would you not waste time with it? Any way to tell if it was done traditionally with Tamahagane and water quench vs. mill steel and oil with the blade looking like it does? I can take more pictures and close ups if it would help...

Wow, you guys are awesome! Was definitely not expecting to get responses so quickly and so in depth. Interested in Misconstrueds comment about the red stingray and Tsuka style... is it indicative of anything in particular? As for the Mekugi, I cannot tell, however, if it is not synthetic I would guess it is horn or hoof. It is definitely not Bamboo or wood of any kind.

Here are a couple more pictures....

Hello, Recently inherited a sword and having trouble identifying the maker... Hoping you all can help. It appears to have markings at the beginning saying NO SHU JU and at the end saying SAKU but I cannot figure out the rest. I thought at first it was a Kanesane or a Kanetaka but not sure. Looks like a partial Showa stamp at the top of the tang but there are no arsenal marks or Kokuin. It is all in pretty rough shape... Pretty sure someone tried to clean it years ago and did a wonderful job of rusting the blade Anyways, any help is appreciated!