Weird Kikumon

[Frank]

Hey, just got this one in and i'm curious about that kikumon, and what the history is behind these symbols and it's variations. Help is appreciated! Thanks!! 

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Frank,

There are guys that give a more comprehensive history, but essitially, the Kikumon indicated the smith was on retainer with the Shogunate.  

 

Awaiting smith name translation, but appears maybe "Kanesada"?  I don't have any blades with that name and a Kikumon.  And forgive me, but while the mei looks great, that Kiku looks like it was cut by a small child!  Like maybe it was added later by someone that really didn't know how to do it.  Hope I'm wrong, but Youzee Wowzee!

[uwe]

Indeed, Bruce “和泉守兼定” (Izumi no Kami Kanesada)!

[Bruce Pennington]

Like the broken clock, I'm bound to get one right now and then!

[uwe]

No worries, Bruce. Sometimes it’s frustrating to me as well. But we are lucky to have very knowledgeable guys around 🙂

[Frank]

Thanks guys! Yeah i looked all over the place and through some of my books, but couldn't find anything with those weird looking petals...(maybe for a reason)

[Matsunoki]

I think Bruce is correct…..the Kikumon has been added later for “effect” and whoever did it has made a total mess of it sadly. Best to leave it as only a highly trained professional could safely remove it. Don’t try it yourself! 

[Frank]

Yeah I won't touch it, it's just quirky. Don't know about the mei being authentic tho? No paperwork but it's a nice blade nontheless. 

[ROKUJURO]

Frank,
 

generally, to be of any use, photos should be:
 

- well focused, not foggy or blurry
- made with a dark, non reflective background for good contrast
- made with light from the side (may not apply for HAMON photos)
- made directly from above (not at an angle)
- made with correct orientation (vertically tip-upwards, especially NAKAGO photos and TSUBA) 
- without HABAKI but showing the MACHI and NAKAGO JIRI 
- made in high resolution to see details
- showing details (in magnification) like BOSHI, HAMACHI, HAMON, HADA, NAKAGO JIRI etc. or the fine work on TSUBA
- presented as cut-outs so very little background is shown
 

If you cannot supply good photos (..."these photos are all I have from the dealer...."/..."I do not have a good camera but only an old mobile phone...." ), DO NOT POST BAD ONES. They will not be helpful.