Tokubetsu Juyo Kanemitsu

[klee]

Good Afternoon

 

I was very curious to learn more about a blade on Aoi ( not that I can ever afford it ) to see if I could gain some knowledge.

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/katanamumei-kanemitsu18th-nbthk-tokubetsu-juyo-token/

 

The blade is a Toku Juyo Kanemitsu. It s obviously stunning but the entirety of one side looks like mokume while the other side is entierly ko itame. And the hamon on either side looks very different to me on the oshigata. Both jigane and hamon look beautiful on either side but also very different.

 

What could cause this. I assume one side isnt all core steel if it has Toku Juyo

 

 

-Kevin L

 

 

[Robert S]

I'm not actually seeing that big a difference overall in the hamon.  Those appear to me to be within the range of normal variation.  The jigane differences are interesting.  It almost like it may be a bit exaggerated by differences in polish, although I'd really be surprised by that on a toku juyo nihonto.

[Hoshi]

Hi Kevin, 

 

The ji is executed in itame mixed with mokume, and although it is denser on one side compared to the other, it is within the normal range of variation. 

 

First tip: don't over index on the distinctions between itame, mokume, etc...it's just not that important, in the end. Likewise, don't fixate on minute irregularities in the ji, in Japan nobody really cares. 

 

What you want to train yourself to look at (sugata aside): pay attention to the hamon: is it bright and clear?, the nioiguchi: is it consistent and luminous? the quality of the ji: is it lustrous with ample jinie?

 

And the expected midare-utsuri (which cannot be seen on the current photos, alas). 

 

You'll notice that the blade's ji is rich in jinie, and is quite lustrous, which is a rarified feature for Nambokucho works. 

 

The most important of these qualities is the nioiguchi. It is rather thin, clear, and consistent. Then look at the form of the hamon, you'll recognize that it resembles closely the hamon pattern of his master, Kagemitsu, with an angular and almost kataochi-style gunome. This lets us infer that this is relatively early work of Kanemitsu, before his prime phase where he executes his hamon in a noticeably different way. Pay attention also to the slanting and brilliant ashi that give the hamon depth and clarity. 

 

It is a worthy Tokubetsu Juyo blade. Personally, I am more fond of such early Kanemitsu work with the brilliant ashi, and angular kataochi-style gunome, compared to his more mature style. Is it in the upper echelons of Tokubetsu Juyo for Kanemitsu? Not quite, and that is reflected in the price.

 

It is certainly a lovely blade. 

 

Hope this helps. 

 

Hoshi

[Jacques]

Quote

pay attention to the hamon: is it bright and clear?, the nioiguchi: is it consistent and luminous?

And you think you can see that in photos? I don't.