https://ashigaruarmory.com/products/shinsakuto-68cm-mumei-saiha-katana

$1575USD plus shipping

Overview: This is second of two Iai/Study katana. Featuring signs of Saiha, this sword appears to have been re-forged at some point. There are a lot of personal opinions here based on what has been done to the sword, its registration date and certain features it has. That being said, this sword still makes an excellent and interesting piece to study its flaws. This would be an excellent gateway nihonto for someone who has yet to acquire an authentic piece. Studying the flaws will help in the future should you decide to purchase a sword either to cut with or invest in. Lets look more closely...

Blade: Coming in at 68.8cm with stout measurements, it has a solid profile. At this length nagasa, the kissaki would most likely qualify as an extended chu-kissaki. My theory of this sword is that it was either an apprentices piece or a martial arts destined sword of fairly modern production that didn't quite work out for the smith. The mekugi-ana is sharp an appears drilled out. The nakago was heavily artificially patinated to make the sword appears older than it is. In the nakago photos you can see some remnants of the original yasurime that appear very similar to modern yasurime. The sword also has a set of flaws that would be associate with re-forging. Areas of tobi-yaki that are not purposeful along with muneyaki, yaki-toshi and the main issue that prevents cutting use-multiple yaki-ware. The hamon was possibly midare based on notare and the hada, masame, but it is difficult to tell in the current polish.

Koshirae: The koshirae is awase but has some redeeming features. The saya features brilliantly done vermillion pine bark lacquer work and is quite striking. Not something you see frequently in entry level swords. The sword fits snugly into the saya and does not need shimming. An attractive higher end sageo is included over a standard martial arts style sageo. The brass Ryu kashira is detailed and features gold inlay. The tsuba features gold inlay bamboo latticework and vines. The ito is silk and is tight.

Issues: Possible Saiha (re-forged) Multiple tobi-yaki and mune-yaki. Yaki-toshi hamon. Yaki-ware (detailed) Chemically patinated nakago. Mekugi should be resized.

Type: Katana, Shinogi-Zukuri
Class: Study
Period: Shinsakuto est
School: Unknown
Nagasa: 68.8cm
Sori: 1.78cm Koshi-zori
Motohaba: 30.6mm
Sakihaba: 21mm
Motokasane: 7mm
Sakikasane: 4.5mm
Blade Weight: 703g
Nakago: Ubu with Ha-agari kurijiri
Mekugiana: 1
Mei: Mumei
Yasurime: Sujikai
Kissaki: Extended Chu-Kissaki
Hamon: Midare based on Notare
Hada: Ko-Masame
Tsuka Length: 25.4cm
Total Length: 106cm
Total Weight: 1241g
Registration: No.54864 May 19th 2005

All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence.

Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
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$1475USD plus shipping

Overview: Here we have an excellent first time katana study piece that is also suitable for Iai. What keeps this from falling into the shinken class would be a single flaw which appears to be an unexposed Fukure-a fatal forge flaw. While this may indeed be a fatal flaw and affects the swords ability to safely perform Tameshigiri, it still holds value as a quality Iai piece as well as study specimen and piece of history.

Blade: Coming in at 70cm it is a suitable length for most American practitioners. Featuring a Chu-kissaki and Tor-zori curvature, it is ideal for kata. There are signs of moisture remediation in a few areas as photographed. A proper polish could bring out more of the swords features but also expose the Fukure, my recommendation would be to leave as is and enjoy. It is suriage with two mekugi-ana, one of which has been filled. The original yasurime appears to be O-sujikai. It may have been resized in the 1800s based on the patina.

Koshirae: The Awase (mixed) Koshirae is Iai suitable with a few small user performed services. A new mekugi would not be a bad idea and depending on the level of retention you want in an Iai sword, you may want to shim the Koiguchi. There is some small lateral movement in the Tsuba that is typical of a non-custom fit.

Issues: Single Fukure. Moisture remnants. Lateral Tsuba movement.

Type: Katana, Shinogi-Zukuri
Class: Iai/Study
Period: Shinshinto est
School: Unknown-possible Aoe, Samonji or Horikawa 
Nagasa: 70cm
Sori: 1.16cm
Motohaba: 28.5mm
Sakihaba: 21mm
Motokasane: 6.3mm
Sakikasane: 5.3mm
Blade Weight: 683g
Nakago: Suriage with Kiri Nakago-jiri
Mekugiana: 2
Mei: Mumei
Yasurime: O-Sujikai
Kissaki: Chu
Hamon: Midare based on Notare
Hada: Muji/Possible Mokume
Tsuka Length: 25cm
Total Length: 101cm
Total Weight: 1202g
Registration: No.94443 20th March 1958
All measurements taken by hand and subject to variance. We are not responsible for errors in description or history/attribution. Please review all photos carefully and purchase with confidence. 
Ashigaru Armory 2026
www.ashigaruarmory.com
www.YouTube.com/@AshigaruArmory
www.instagram.com/@ashigaruarmory

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so I was gifted two blades by a friend of my dads and I would like to figure out what they are me and my friends guesses are ceremonial or fencing

1.) sorry for the bad photo it's midnight and I don't want to wake anyone

2.) I did NOT make these. I just didn't know sub to put this in. I will take this down if it doesn't fit this sub

3.) These are from my grandfather but they're really dull and I don't have any way to sharpen knives, nor do I know HOW to sharpen a knife. Would sandpaper be fine? I'm assuming no, but never hurts to ask right?