How to Tell If a Smith Worked Only for Samurai and Not for Merchants

[1 Medium Latte]

Hi everyone,

My question might be a bit broad since I don't have any names, but hopefully I can specify more clearly. Let's say in the Edo period it is known that a smith was employed by a daimyo/clan, and let's say the Matsudaira Clan, would it be safe to say that they only made blades for samurai and not merchants? Also, during the period lets say we have a smith that doesn't have a strong name is there any clues to discern if he made blades exclusively for samurai?

 

Thanks,

Eddy

[Toryu2020]

Eddy -

If a sword smith was a "Retained Smith" (Kakae-kaji) then you can reasonably assume that he worked exclusively for his samurai lord and his retainers. Of course you could have had one-offs, special order gifts and such and there was nothing stopping a merchant from purchasing a sword by a well-known smith in the secondary market...

 

-t

[Bugyotsuji]

Not only a merchant, but an artisan for example who had been elevated to bushi status, or granted permission to carry a sword might order one from a swordsmith, or possibly even buy an antique one.