Sword Specifications

• Signature: Seki Ju Ikeda Kanetsuna
• Period: Gendaitō, SHowa
• Blade Length: 66.4 cm
• Curvature: 1.2 cm
• Width at Base: 3.10 cm
• Width at Tip: 1.80 cm
• Thickness at Base: 7.7 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 5.3 mm
• Blade Weight: 747 g
• Total Length with Mountings: 107.7 cm
• Total Weight with Mountings: 980 g

This is a fully functional Gendaitō (modern Japanese sword) crafted by the skilled swordsmith Ikeda Kanetsuna, based in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan’s most famous sword-making regions. The blade is masterfully polished and retains a razor-sharp edge, making it suitable for both test cutting (tameshigiri) and traditional martial arts like iaido and battōjutsu.

The katana exhibits a beautifully refined gunome hamon (temper line), reflecting the smith’s precise heat treatment process. The blade’s well-balanced proportions, with a moderate curvature of 1.2 cm, make it an exceptional piece both in form and function. Its steelwork features a tight and even hada, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The mounting (koshirae) includes a finely crafted tsuba (sukashi tetsu tsuba), an openwork iron tsuba that adds elegance while maintaining structural integrity. The handle is wrapped in traditional materials, ensuring a firm grip suitable for real use.

About the Swordsmith - Ikeda Kanetsuna

Ikeda Kanetsuna is a modern swordsmith associated with the renowned sword-making traditions of Seki, a region with a history dating back to the samurai era. Seki swords are known for their exceptional sharpness and durability, and Kanetsuna’s work continues this legacy by producing high-quality, traditionally forged blades.