Ben-W

Dan the man! Nice number 1# plate Thanks for sharing and great photos! I feel as though these shots could be greatly improved with a photoshopped Nihonto on your back though. 😀

Thanks Josh, I have a few more screenshots I can share about 1st Gen Masanori from an older document. I'll get those up for you soon.

Thanks Shugyosha and Geraint for supplying reference to Markus's book. I also appreciate you clarifying my question about the certificates. Analyzing the reference provided from Markus, I've noticed similarities between the blade in question and the 2nd Gen Masanori. (1) 2nd Gen Masanori: Markus reference Nagasa: 61.5cm Sori: 0.9cm This Masanori Nagasa: 61.5cm Sori: 1.0cm (2) In relation to the signature, with characters 1# Yama, 3# Dai The top stroke runs much higher on the 1st gen compared to the 2nd gen. (1st Gen Masanori: Markus Reference below) The kanji in location 1# and 3# on this blade looks uniquely similar to the 2nd Gen. (2nd Gen Masanori: Markus Reference below) (This Masanori below) (3) For this blade, the end of the nakago has a very sharp angle, it's almost a point. This also appears more prominently on the 2nd gen referenced by Markus. In relation to characteristics of forging and the hamon, that's still beyond my ability to comment. In addition Shugyosha, you noted by the shape it's more likely from the kanbun period 1661-1673, which I believe aligns closer with the window of 2nd Gen Masanori. Based on those observations I would more lean towards this blade being 2nd generation if I was making an estimate. Welcoming any further input

Hi Sean, Going from your username, you also share a passion for old Japanese blades and modern Japanese superbikes. I have a Yamaha R1M which is setup for track. (favorite photo incoming) I was in Japan also about two months ago. Interesting family history you have, thanks for sharing. I would love to see your Tokugawa Koshirae sometime also! Cheers, Ben

Hi, The Masanori I took ownership of was still in transit when you first posted, I was awaiting arrival before replying. I would say my certificate is a bit vague but, then again, I'm new. The shop in Japan I purchased from stated it was first gen Masanori. http://sanmei.com/co...nts/en-us/p2392.html I myself am unable to read Japanese, and all I have received is the NBTHK certificate, no further documentation. (Although it did have the original papers from 1960.) Using Google to translate the Tokubetsu Hozon certificate, It appears to restate what is signed on the nakago and no further information. I will post a photo. When it comes to the NBTHK providing certificates for blades from known smiths which do have signatures but, have multiple generations of smiths signing the same name, does the NBTHK usually assign to which generation it belongs? Many thanks, Ben

Thanks for the kind words gents, great community 👌

Hi, I'm surely one of the least experienced person on this forum in relation to Nihonto. The good news is, recently while travelling in Japan I became a first time custodian of two Nihonto, one of which was signed Yamato Daijo Fujiwara Masanori. Also appraised as Tokobetsu Hozon. I've spent the past few weeks researching Yamato Daijo Fujiwara Masanori. I can share my findings. There were two smiths who signed Yamato Daijo Fujiwara Masanori in Echizen province 1600's. The first generation Masanori. (referred to as shodai) And the second generation Masanori. (Second generation referred to Nidai) In the book named, Japanese Sword Smith directory, Japanese edition (which is in English) by Mishina Kenji, I've found the following information (photos attached. Reference: Ma - 121 rank C) You can also investigate the province Shodai Masanori worked in to find who was the Daimyo of Fukui domain during this period. This timeline is very close to the battle of Sekigahara which marks the beginning of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Daimyo of Fukui domain in Echizen province 1601/1607 - Yūki Hideyasu (Seond son of the first Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yūki_Hideyasu Succeeding Yūki Hideyasu was his eldest son, Matsudaira Tadanao. Daimyo of Fukui domain in Echizen province 1607 - 1622 https://en.m.wikiped...i/Matsudaira_Tadanao As referenced, Tadanao was banished and replaced by his younger brother and second son of Yūki Hideyasu; Matsudaira Tadamasa Daimyo of Fukui domain in Echizen province 1623 - 1645 https://en.m.wikiped.../Matsudaira_Tadamasa If your katana is first generation Masanori, The probabilities are it was forged during the reign of one of the above Daimyo. What historical battles may have Shodai Masanori katana possibly seen? If it was forged early enough, The siege of Osaka 1614 to 1615. https://en.m.wikiped.../wiki/Siege_of_Osaka Samurai of Fukui, Echizen province were sent to Siege of Osaka under the Daimyo Matsudaira Tadanao. Some additional research can begin from other names referenced in the photos such as; Sanjo Yoshinori, which Masanori is referenced as being a descendant (I lack further information for now) The smith he apprenticed under; Kanenori. I'm guessing, of Fukui, Echizen Domain early 1600s And other references Ive read saying he was the son of a Norimitsu (again, lack further information) This is all I've found so far. When you come across further information, I would also love to hear. Cheers, Ben

Hello all, quick introduction for a new member located in Sydney Australia. Fourty years young. After reading a fiction work named Shogun by James Clavell in my late teens and fell in love with all things Samurai. This inspired me to read a Book of Five rings shortly after and begin to investigate further into the mindset and spiritual perspective of what it meant to be samurai. Twenty years later, (five weeks ago) I was traveling in Japan for the first time with my young family. And with my eldest son, (7) visited the Samurai museum in Kyoto. We took part in Tameshigiri. My son learnt the cutting technique although, he used the blunt wakizashi for Tameshigiri. Afterwards I realized, I couldn't leave Japan without first adopting an authentic Nihonto. Reaching this conclusion, the next location on our trip was Nagoya, where I visited Yuji-san at Sanmei/Tokugawa art and became a custodian of a my first two Katana. Since then I've found this site and read three books (kindle version) from the recomend reading, and 26 pages of the general Nihonto related discussion section. I do want to thank the owner and admins for providing this resource for English speakers who appreciate nihonto. At the moment I'm hooked, and most nights go to bed excited about waking up in the morning, drinking coffee and learning more about Nihonto. Cheers, Ben (Photo, son bowing to sensei post Tameshigiri lesson)