Catalin

So, looking at the shape and style of the carvings, there’s really no chance of finding a few blades that were engraved by the same swordsmith, in order to figure out who actually made it? From what I understood for sure is a Koto period blade, possibly from Muromachi era , but still not sure 🤷‍♂️. Any other suggestions?

Dear Sam, Thank you for your message. I had assumed that the second bonji on my suriage might correspond to Monju Bosatsu, as when I overlay the bonji from my blade onto that character, it seems to be the closest match. What do you think – doesn’t it seem the most likely, judging by the photos I’ve attached?

And more photos

Hello everyone, Recently I had the opportunity to acquire a Japanese blade that, to my eyes, appears to be authentic. That said, I would be truly grateful for any thoughts, insights, or suggestions from those of you with more experience and access to specialized resources. I’m hoping to learn more about the possible smith, the approximate period in which it was forged, and to hear your honest impressions of the blade itself. Following the advice of a respected forum's member, I’ve done my best to take clear photos on a dark background—though I didn’t have anything black on hand, unfortunately. It’s evident that the blade was shortened at some point (suriage), which likely resulted in the loss of the mei. However, two bonji inscriptions remain visible on the nakago. The upper character is, without doubt, Fudō Myō-ō. As for the second one, I believe it may represent Monju Bosatsu—but I would very much appreciate your opinions on this. The blade will definitely need a professional polish to restore its former beauty. At first, the hamon was barely visible due to fingerprints and accumulated grime. Since I don’t have a proper cleaning kit, I lightly wiped the blade with lemon juice, which helped reveal the hamon slightly—but of course, a proper polish is the only way to bring it out fully and safely. Any information that might help identify the time period, the school or smith, or confirm the second bonji would be most welcome. P.S.: I’ve opened this thread to avoid confusion with a different blade I inquired about some time ago. Thank you very much in advance for your time and expertise!

Thanks everyone for your comments. Bit by bit, I’m starting to find some useful information, even a few blades with inscriptions that are somewhat similar. Unfortunately, it looks like someone may have tried polishing the sword at some point, because from what I'm seeing with the naked eyes the hamon is no longer visible. That said, despite not being professionally restored, the blade is still razor sharp. I gave it a quick test by running it lightly over the hair on my arm, and it actually shaved it clean off .

Dear Geriant, Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply and the valuable insights you’ve shared. The link you provided with the Sanskrit characters is incredibly helpful — although, as someone without much experience, I find it a bit challenging to match them precisely to the engravings on my sword. I’d really appreciate your opinion — which character do you think it most closely resembles? Interestingly, there’s a Suken engraved on the reverse side of the blade. Could this possibly indicate that the sword dates back to the Nanboku-Chō period? I’ve attached a few photos, taken as clearly as I could manage. The blade doesn’t seem to be in great condition, and I’m definitely considering restoration if it turns out to be a particularly special piece. It appears to have been significantly shortened — there are not just two, but three mekugi-ana, which is quite telling. I’d love to hear more thoughts — what do you think, which period might this sword be from?

Any chance to identify what is written here ? Also, what do you think ca be this an original piece ? Thank you in advance of any opinion.

Thank you again for your answer Colin. Even the katana is not genuine, believe or not.......I still like it (maybe because I never owed a genuine one 😁). The blade is well made (for sure high-grade steel) and incredible straight for a replica. Of course I didn't pay much and I'm not regretting for the money paid. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRECIOUS OPINIONS 😍

I managed to take off the habaki.

Thank you ! 👍

Your reply is much appreciated Moriyama, thank you. Can you please share the reasons you still gave 1 % chances to be genuine ? Thank you !

Thank you both for your reply. @Bruce , I tried to remove the habaki off without to damage it but unfortunately with no success 🙁. They are some other opinions ? Of course I'm not sure it's a genuine katana but for sure it doesn't seem to be a modern replica.

I recently bought a katana and I'm trying to figure out the details on the "tang". That's why I need your help, since you guys are experienced. The tang has markings on both sides. On one side, I identified some details that I tried to edit in one of the pictures. Could you please confirm if I'm mistaken and identify the whole signatures on both sides ? The blade is a "tori-mune" tipe. Thank you in advance for any suggestion.

Thank you Dale, much appreciated. Indeed there is the right place to post my question.

Thank you for your reply Colin, on the reverse are some other characters and I will post later a picture.

Hi everyone , Is somebody here who can identify what's written on the tsuka from the image attached ? Thank you in advance for any reply.