Gendaito Gokaden

[PNSSHOGUN]

If collectors were to put together a Gokaden from smiths ranging from Meiji to Showa (or beyond) what smiths would you select? With Bizen, Soshu and Mino being easily the most prolific style in these times I am curious to see what smiths worked in strict Yamato & Yamashiro styles in this era.

[Surfson]

Interesting question John.  I have a Sadakazu blade done (and labeled) as being utsushi in the style of Masamune that is really beautiful and very different from his typical work.  

[IJASWORDS]

John, this thread should be flooded by responses. In my gendaito collection, it is hard to find something that is not Bizen. Sadakatsu being my favourite sword at the moment. But he did make other styles. 

Where is David Flynn when you need him. I am sure he could help us out. 

[David Flynn]

The Gassan Family made in all 5 traditions + their own Ayasugi.   Shigetsugu, made mostly in Bizen den, though I'm led to believe he also did Soshu.   Okimasa, did Bizen and Soshu.  Nobufusa, did Bizen and Yamato.  Kanenobu Shodai(rare) did Bizen and Mino.   Toshihide, mostly Bizen.

Bizen den, is definitely the most prolific.  Next, I would say Soshu, followed by Mino, Yamato and Yamashiro.

Some Yasukuni smiths made both Bizen den and Yamashiro.  Minatogawa smiths, only Bizen den

I have a sword by Kanetsune, that is in Classic Mino den (in Japan at the moment being polished).   I also have a sword by an unlisted smith, that is a Mino Senjuin Utushi.  Basically, it comes down to Smith and his teacher.   If the teacher is proficient in different styles, the student will also do different styles, though, Some will only really stay with the style they're best at.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Thank you David, I will see if I can find examples of Yamato & Yamashiro Den from the Gassan smiths.

[Rivkin]

Interesting hosho interpretation:

http://nihonto.us/TAKAHASHI%20HIDETSUGU%20JL.htm

 

Feels like it goes back to some Naotane's school works and then Sendai at earlier times.

 

Kirill R.