Attribution

• Signature: Seki-ju Kaneyoshi saku
• Origin: Seki City, Gifu Prefecture (Showa period, mid-20th c.)

Blade Specifications

• Type : Gendaito
• Blade Length (Ha-chō): 67.0 cm
• Curvature (Sori): 1.4 cm
• Mekugi-ana: 1 hole
• Base Width (Moto-haba): ~30.6 mm
• Base Thickness (Moto-kasane): ~6.5 mm
• Tip Width (Saki-haba): ~19.6 mm
• Tip Thickness (Saki-kasane): ~5.0 mm
• Hamon: Gunome midare
• Blade Weight (nakago off): 710 g

Mountings (Koshirae)

• Overall Length: 105 cm
• Saya: Green lacquer with fine metallic sparkle
• Sageo & Kurikata: Thick green silk cord in kikkō knot
• Fittings: Blackened iron tsuba & menuki, matching green ito wrap

Notes

This modern Showa-era bladework from the famed Seki tradition combines a graceful silhouette with a razor-straight hamon, offering both beauty and functionality. The vibrant green lacquered saya with glitter highlights makes it a standout when displayed, while the gunome midare temper line and balanced geometry ensure reliable performance for Iaido practice and test cutting.

Background

Nōshū Seki-jū Kaneyoshi, born Yoshifumi Okada in 1900 in the renowned sword-making town of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, was selected by the Imperial Japanese Army as an official military swordsmith. Under his art name “Kaneyoshi,” he crafted blades for officers who pledged their lives to defend Japan. Though rooted in traditional techniques, his modern Showa-period swords combine elegance, strength, and historical significance, making them treasured heirlooms for future generations.