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The suriage is definitely more recent. And the signature would not have been the original smith. I'm wondering if the new signature represents a designation towards the original smith or the smith who performed the suriage. Thanks

Thank you Ray. Is it an atomei representing the original smith? Regards

Hi, Requesting help with deciphering what is the first character above "fusa." This was inscribed obviously after suriage of the katana which removed any original mei. What does it represent? Thanks!

Dear Christian, Thank you for your reply. And it's understandable that if a named smith created an inferior piece of work they may not sign it. I guess what I'm also asking is take, for example, a modest unsigned koto blade existing today that has features similar to what was produced from a particular school during that period. What is the likelihood that it came from an unnamed smith in an established school versus a smith who set up an independent shop? I imagine during warring periods schools were flooded with unnamed smiths to keep up demand. Did they copy the styles of the masters named in lineages or were their works unique? Trying to get a frame of reference for researching swords that are of lesser quality but have some telltale features. Much appreciated

Dear Geraint and anyone who can help educate. I probably should also ask in general interest. For me this is something of which I am truly ignorant. It's it possible for less skilled smiths to work in the classic schools alongside the great smiths that we see represented in all the references but who turn out modest products. Meaning, they learn and produce the same style of the quintessential smiths within those schools but their works are not recognized as associated with the school due to poorer quality? Or was that simply not done? I'm asking because I'm wondering if it is possible for mumei or gimei swords from those schools to be dismissed if they don't look like one of the representative masters.. I may be incorrectly presuming there were many more smiths at work than what are represented in the lineages. I know there are other characteristics that date a sword, but specifically asking about contemporary swords for the periods. Thank you for enlightening. With appreciation -

Dear Geraint, It is a long exercise indeed! I know the quality isn't there I'm just using the "styles" that are displayed from the great schools. It's more for learning styles as a way of understanding which characteristics are adopted by which smiths. If only there was an unlimited encyclopedia of not so great sword makers as a reference. 😂 The study of run-of-the-mill blades may be an exercise in futility. But it's a fun way to pass time. Thanks!

Hi again, more on this. Other searches point to the tanto characteristics being reminiscent of the Rai school, specifically the Kuninaga line. However if it's Shinto it is also similar to Yasutsugu school. Any thoughts on either of those possibilities? Trying to learn where my deductions are failing me 😁. Thanks

Hi Ray, A few more images for you to take a look. The blade does appear to be tired and some of the horimino polished away. Thanks for your input.

Hi all, A question about this tanto I picked up a few years ago that is unsigned. What novice study I undertook on the blade it appears to be a Soshu-den creation, but would like input if it's actually Shinto blade made in an older style. Thanks in advance.

Stephen- I was more referring to the horizontal marks appearing more elongated and ending in an "arrowhead" pattern. All other mei's I've seen look like that whereas on my sword the horizontal marks are stubby. I may be reading into the detail too much though. Thanks

The blade in the last link looks much closer in characteristics. Still don't see a resemblance in the mei, but again may be a style change. Thank you!

Nobody- Thank you for your response. I did earlier see that tanto but felt the mei file marks were too dissimilar. I'm not sure how much to rely on that. It could be the son, but the polish seems older than 2010. Do you know of a resource to investigate further? Much appreciated.

Hi, Long time lurker, first time poster. I've run into a dead end on trying to identify which "Masamitsu" smith made this katana. It looks to be late Showa or early Heisei. 29" nagasa, sori 2.2cm, heavy. Unable to find any oshigata to support which maker it might be. Any help appreciated.