You'll go ouch!!

[Stephen]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-Japanes ... t_96wt_892

 

something something Ju Tada nori??

[Brian]

Ouch.

 

Brian

[Stephen]

anyone want to have a go at the mei? see any turn back in the boshi that may save the kissaki?

[AikiScott1]

I think I see some turn back so the point could be saved but that's gotta be some job.

[k morita]

Higo ju Tadatoshi.

肥 後 住 忠 利

[Stephen]

thank you Morita san

[Stephen]

some google info on the smith

 

http://sanmei.com/contents/media/M5691_S5001_E.htm

 

also this from a old closed showa22 auction

 

This is a Japanese NLF (Naval Landing Force) officer`s sword in mountings. The blade is signed "Higo ju Tadatoshi 肥後住忠利" dated "Showa juhachi-nen go-gatsu hi 昭和十八年五月日(a day May, 1943)" with star stamp, shinogi-zukuri shape traditional hand forged, water tempered blade. Tadatoshi's real name is Kumabe Nao, born in May 1901 and studied sword forging under Komiya Shiro Kunimitsu and made swords as a Gendai smith. The blade is in WWll time original polish, no scratche, no stain and in near mint condition. The temper line is wavy saka-choji with nie (crystal) active temper pattern throughout the blade and has deep temper at the tips. The tight itame-hada forging grain is clearly visible and no forging flaws at all. There is no bend, no nicks, no crack and cutting edge is sharp.