G8008(S1494)
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Katana signed Echizen-no-kami Minamoto SADAMICHI

Shinto Early Edo period (Kanbun era /ca 1661-) Owari
Length of cutting edge 76.4cm Curvature 1.2cm Width of base 31.7mm Width of Yokote 20.0mm Thickness of base 8.0mm

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate

Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri with an Iorimune. The blade measures an impressive 2 shaku 5 sun 2 bu (approximately 76.4 cm), featuring a shallow curve leading to a medium-sized Kissaki (tip). The base of the blade is wide that shows standing firmly on base and considerable thickness that gives it a substantial, heavy feel in both hands. The overall construction reflects the style prevalent around the Kanbun era (1661–1673). (See enlarged photograph of the blade)
Forging pattern: The steel on the Shinogi-ji is forged in a straight grain pattern (masame), while the Hiraji displays a tight ko-Itame (small wood grain) texture, densely covered with sparkling Ji-nie (crystalline martensite particles).
Hamon: Starting with a long Kyo-yakidashi (Kyoto-style gradual temper start), the hamon features a high, undulating pattern incorporating Gunome (wavy peaks), Chōji (clove-shaped patterns), Togari-ba (pointed peaks), and Yahazu-ba (arrow-notch shapes). This creates striking modulation and variation, with bright, vivid Nie on boundary lines. Thick Ashi (Nie legs) radiate toward the tip, with Kinsuji (thick lines) and Sunagashi (sweeping streaks of Nie), resulting in a clear and beautiful Hamon.
Bōshi (tip temper): The pattern becomes gently wavy and finishes in a medium round (Chu-maru).
Tang (Nakago): In its original, unaltered state (ubu Nakago), with file marks (Yasurime) slanting downward left (Katte-sagari). One Mekugi-ana (peg hole). The Nakago-jiri (heel of the tang) is a Kuri-jiri shape, slightly turned toward the edge (Ha-agari). The back of the nakago is flat, with file marks also in Katte-sagari style. On the Shinogi-suji line below the Mekugi-ana, there is a long signature deeply chiseled with thick strokes and prominent tagane-makura (chisel ridges) reading:
"Echizen no Kami Minamoto Sadamichi" 越前守源定道.

"Echizen no Kami Minamoto Sadamichi" 越前守源定道 said the same smith known as "Sadatosh" 定俊. Originally from Mino Province, he was a descendant of San'ami Kanenori 三阿弥兼則 and became a disciple of Iga no Kami Kinmichi 伊賀守金道 in Kyoto, later receiving the honorary title "Echizen no Kami" 越前守.
He signed his works as "Mishina Echizen no Kami Minamoto Sadamichi" 三品越前守源定道 or "Echizen no Kami Minamoto Sadamichi" 越前守源定道.
It is said that he established his forging studio near Nagoya Castle and was active from the Kanbun to Tenna eras (1661–83).

The subject katana, made specially on a particular commission from an Owari warrior who deeply honored martial spirits is especially long, thick and has a heavy, powerful presence. The elegant hamon, which begins with a Kyoto Yakidashi and flows with graceful modulation, captivates the viewers, affirming his belonging to the Mishina school in Kyoto.
The blade retains a vigorous, well-preserved shape and volume and the Nakago has developed an attractive patina of age more than 350 years.

Comes with a gold-foiled single-layer Habaki and preserved in a plain wooden Shirasaya scabbard.
Recent good polish/Condition scale: excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
Reference:
Iwata Atao, "Owari Tokofu" (Record of Owari Swordsmiths), Nagoya City Board of Education, March 31, 1984 (Showa 59)