Signature translation on Aikuchi knife

[zeusnaris]

I would be appreciative if someone can translate the writing on this Aikuchi knife. Appears to be Edo period. The pictures attached are the best I could take . Thank you in advance. 

[DMNK]

Anyone else reading Yoshimitsu Saku?

[Shugyosha]

I think Yoshi something saku. I'd not put too much faith in it though, it looks very badly done and I think it was scratched on later to make an unsigned blade seem more interesting.

[zeusnaris]

It was given as a gift to an American pilot instructor from a Japanese flight student in 1969 from All Nippon Airways. Name of Japanese was Jun Sugimoto and it was one of his most prized possessions. Was supposedly in his family for generations. I doubt it is fake. But I appreciate the knowledge and description. Thank you very much.

[ChrisW]

John is saying that the blade itself is real and antique, but the signature is not done by the purported signee. In nihonto, this is called "gimei," which is fairly common.

[zeusnaris]

Thank you, I appreciate the explanation. I was told they had the knife since its build so I doubt the signature is done afterwards but no one knows for sure and you guys are better at this than I am. I totally appreciate the effort to translate this. 

[zeusnaris]

[Brian]

Gimei was usually done at the time of manufacture. There are more fake signatures than real ones. It's not too concerning, doesn't make the item a fake.