Sosozaemon Sukesada Katana
Nihonto are the real swords of the Samurai. These swords were made using technology and materials that made them super sharp and break resistant. The steel they were forged from is called tamahagane, or jewel steel. This steel was appreciated for it’s properties that made it ideal for sword making. Each sword region, or school, had it’s own guarded formula, many times yielding steel that was not only strong, but also beautiful. In fact, one of the ways we identify swords is by the color and quality of the steel particular to an area.
This tamahagane was forged into a sword by folding, and many times sandwiching layers of steel of varies strength:hardness properties. This formed blades that were not only sharp, but incredibly resilient to punishment. Swordsmiths were rated based on the sharpness of their blades, as judged by test cutters. Samurai demanded swords that they could rely on in battle.
One of the most prolific sword making schools was the Osafune Den in the Bizen Province. This area was known for producing high quality tamahagane. because of its iron ore and charcoal. Many famous swordsmiths called Osafune Bizen their home forge. Some of the most notable are Nagamitsu, Kagemitsu, Kanemitsu, The Ichimonji and later the Sukesada line of smiths. The most revered smith of the Sukesada line is Yosozaemon Sukesada.
The Sukesada line of smiths were one of the dominant forces in sword making during the Muromachi Period. Their work is influenced by the Soshuden and that of their revered predecessors. Workmanship varied between supreme Sai Jo Saku quality made for Daimyo and other high ranking Samurai, to lower quality swords made as battle implements for foot soldiers. It is commonly accepted that signatures beginning with Bizen, versus Bishu, are higher quality swords.
This sword was recently papered by the NTHK Yoshikawa group, thereby verifying the signature: Bizen no Kuni ju Fujiwara Sosozaemon nojo Sukesada. This is the first Generation Soszaemon Sukesada, who worked from the end of the Muromach Period (1570ca) into the early Shinto Period (1620ca). In theory, this is the Sukesada that famed Shin Shinto Period smith, Yokoyama Sukenaga, claimed lineage to.
This sword has a very positive feel due to its relatively straight sori. Flat sori is considered an advantage in landing the first strike. The first strike paradigm is practiced in Kendo. Straight sugata became the dominant shape by the Kanbun Period.
The forging is exceptional with nicely textured itame. The hamon is gunome based sugaha with some nice hataraki (activity). This sword will benefit from a professional polish, which I highly recommend because, it will increase its net value. It is guaranteed against fatal flaws. In its current state, there are minor surface corrosion and scratches, which will polish out fault free. This sword is very healthy and ubu. Please see photos.
Nagasa: 71 cm
Motohaba: 3 cm
This sword comes mounted in a unusual battle koshirae. The saya has a leather combat cover. Notice the original owner hang tag is still intact. The tsuba is thick iron, made for battle. The koshirae has a certain pragmatic appeal. It was made for business of battle with no frills.
I like this sword because it came to me from the grandson of the GI who took it Stateside. It is fully intact and thereby a glimpse into history.
A sword like this is not a commodity, but instead, a unique artifact. I recommend keeping the koshirae intact. It is becoming increasingly rare to find koshirae not tampered with by Western hands.
Price: SOLD