Were any Samurai also famous swordsmiths?

[nihonto1001]

One of the most popular anecdotes in Japanese history is that of Emperor Gotoba. In fact, it makes me wonder, were any Samurai also swordsmiths? Samurai had other duties outside of fighting. So, why not swordsmithing. I thought this would be an interesting question to gain some research on. Hopefully, you can point me in the correct direction.

 

Jon

[Bugyotsuji]

Jon, Miyamoto Musashi made tsuba, I believe, at least.

 

Did you read this related thread? Not exactly Samurai per se, but Daimyo and swordsmithing...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2524&hilit=Daimyo+Munetada+Uwajima

[Jean]

Jon, Miyamoto Musashi made tsuba, I believe, at least.

 

Have a look at Koichi san's avatar

[Paul Martin]

Horikawa Kunihiro

[takakage]

omura shigehide.

 

http://www.to-ken.com/articles/shigehide.htm

[b.hennick]

I have a great tanto by a Hizen smith Shigehide - a samurai smith.

[nihonto1001]

I forgot all about Miyamoto Musashi making tsuba. I was very interested in the story of Omura Shigehide; Christian Samurai from the Muromachi period? I never knew that.

 

Thanks,

Jon

[sabiji]

Kawai Hisayuki (or Kawai Kametaro). He signed also Bakufushin Kawai Hisayuki (google Bakushin). Skilled in Kenjutsu and Sojutsu. Worked in Edo Koishikawa.

[sabiji]

Or Tokugawa Nariaki (Mito Rekko) forged swords. Ha was the Mito Han Daimyo and Father of Tokugawa Keiki, the last Shogun.

Also his "Sakite" Katsumura Norikatsu a well known Mito Smith.

[sabiji]

Omi no Kami Hisamichi (Shodai). His Name was Hori Rokurobei or Rokurohyoe, a younger brother of Hori Kanzaemon. One of his ancestor was Hori Yataro Chikatsune, a paladin of Minamoto Yoritomo.

[John A Stuart]

Hi All, It seems to me that certain artisans did not fall into the class distinction of '工'. For example the Goto family were definitely '士' although not swordsmiths they were metalsmiths with high ranking connections. Most swordsmiths were vassals of various daimyo and given stipend (koku system). This, including honourary titles, makes me conclude most were '士' class samurai. There are records of these smiths attachment to clan leaders and titles that followed galore. Correct me if in error. John