How common are katakiriba-zukuri blades

[Jon]

I’m thinking about getting a katakiriba zukuri as at the moment I’m more interested in collecting and studying around different sugata ( I figure it’s a good way to build knowledge)…just wondering how common these are..I’ve seen a cheap one, but I’m not sure to wait for a papered one as I’m not sure how often they come along and how much good examples cost. If I get the cheap one it will be to study and move it on.

[Geraint]

Dear Jonathan.

 

I am surprised that you have not had a response to this question, perhaps others have used the search feature and realised that they might be re opening a can of worms.  However the simple answer is that such blades are not common, especially if you are looking for tanto, wakizashi or katana.  Here's a thought, if you buy the cheap one and simply look to study it and then move it on what are you going to learn?  You already know what the sugata looks like.  Why not wait until one that you really want turns up?

 

Let us know how this turns out.

 

All the best.

 

 

[Rivkin]

hmm, I have one for sale...

Generally these are of interest to collectors who like to research and study unusual and potentially old forms. They are not common, but such collectors do own quite a few.