Munechika

[kissakai]

I have owned this sword since around 1980 and far as I know this is by Munechika with Seiki arsenal stamp and dated 1942

 

When I bought it a friend said he knew someone who can polish it. On receiving it back I found his friend worked as a polisher in a car factory and had polished it on rotary industrial buffing machine. After a little tear I used it for showing the correct cuts in my martial arts training but due to the insurance requirements I can no longer use it.

 

For the specialist this has no real worth or place in a serious collection but I love it. The balance and feel of it far exceed both my traditionally made blades.

 

After ignoring the advice of my Nihonto mentor I had it polished in the UK for a very reasonable price. I thought the time had come to pass it on but when it came back I was very pleased as I felt I had given it some respect after the terrible way I’d treated it the past.

 

Any way after this rambling I would like someone to confirm the mei as I can no information on this smith. Does anyone know any details of this smith?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grev UK

[Grey Doffin]

Yes; Munechika. Showa Ju Shichi Nen (1942).

Grey

[Dr Fox]

Grev

 

My friend I have to apologise to you. The thought of a polisher, who on this board has to meet a strict criteria, worked in a car factory, and got his grubbies on your sword, just curled me up. Its for my sense of humour that I offer my sorries. Thanks for sharing that jewel with us.

Denis.

[george trotter]

Hi,

Looking at Jinsoo Kim's Seki Kaji List, I think your guy Munechika is Fukuchi Toshio. He was registered as Seki Kaji on 9 Sept 1942, so your sword must be one of his earliest.

I wouldn't think anything more is known.

Regards,

[cisco-san]

From Markus´s book:

Munechika (宗近), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – „Munechika“ (宗近), civilian name „Fukuchi Toshio“ (福地鋭雄), born May 17th 1898, he worked as guntō smith and died April 29th 1974

[kissakai]

Many thanks to you all

I'm very pleased to have all the information supplied

 

 

Grev UK

[David McDonald]

Dear Klaus

 

So what is the title of Markus's book. Does it deal with WWII era sword smiths?

 

thanks

david

 

From Markus´s book:

Munechika (宗近), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – „Munechika“ (宗近), civilian name „Fukuchi Toshio“ (福地鋭雄), born May 17th 1898, he worked as guntō smith and died April 29th 1974

[Markus]

So what is the title of Markus's book. Does it deal with WWII era sword smiths?

 

David, Klaus is quoting from my book "Index of Japanese Swordsmiths".

You can find some info here:

 

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