T245382(W8253) Wakizashi signed (Chrysanthemum crest) Iganokami Fujiwara KINMICHI Nihon Kaji Soushou	NTHK(Shoshin)
Shinto Middle of Edo period (Kyouho 6 - 16th/1721-1731) Yamashiro Length of cutting edge52.1cm Curvature2.0cm Width of base28.6mm Width of Yokote18.2mm Thickness of base7.0mm
Blade construction : Shinogi zukuri Iori-mune, Mihaba is in average and amble thickness/rich in hiraniku. There is a deep curvature leading to a medium tip. The entire blade has massive volume and heavy on hand.(click HERE for higher resolution of entire blade) Forging (Hada) : Hada is fine itame-hada which is well kneaded generally and mixing in with flawing masame-hada partially along temper side and shinogi-ji surface shows Masame straight grain marks indication. Temper line (Hamon) : Hamon is nie-based, starts with shallow straight line so called Kyo-style Yakidashi, then box-shaped gunome mixing in with small clove (Choji-ha) outlines, thick Nie sparkling glitters, thick Nie-feet toward the cutting edge, Sunagashi streams/Kinsen thunders (darkish brushing lines) work accross the feet. The entire temper shows rich and generous Nie activity. Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is UBU, unaltered. slanting left (Katte-sagari) file marks. The kengyo (V-shape) heel. Two peg holes. There is large and proudly chiselled Chrysanthemum crest then seven large character that starts with the title [Iganokami], and the assuming a name of clan [Fujiwara], then smith name [KINMICHI]. The reversed side is chiselled as a title of Chilef swordsmith [Nihon Kaji Soushou] which has been granted by the Emperors. Temper of tip (Boshi) : Temper of tip is straight small circle turns back. Mishina-school, it's frontier KINMICHI had moved up to Kyoto along with four sons in 2nd year of Bunroku (1593) from Seki in Mino-province. They are the famed sword smith so called [Mishina-sword smiths] Iganokami KINMICHI, Izuminokami KINMICHI, Tanbanokami YOSHIMICHI and Echunokami MASATOSHI. The subject wakizashi was made by the third gen. KINMICHI who enjoyed Iganokami title in the 1st year of Jyoukyo (1684) when he was 30 years old and worked untill 16th of Kyouho (1731). This wakizashi holds glace shape that resembles refined Kyoto style whereas the temper shows bright and vivid Gunome style which is full of streaming brushing activity, Kinsen/Sunagashi which is contrasted strikingly with it's elegant shape. This wakizashi is of excellent workmanship among ordinaly articles. Silver Habaki collar, accompanies Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.