Japanese Sword Help

[Blitz676]

I bought this sword today from a craigslist seller. Can anyone tell me about this sword, I know the handles, mounts and scabbard, but I was more interested in the blade, it measures 31 3/4" long, has a very faint temper liner and the tang is signed. Any help would be appreciated.

Brad

[Blitz676]

I didn't know which way to read the signature so added pictures showing it both ways,

[Blitz676]

3

3

[Blitz676]

4

4

[GHP]

岡田 兼定
Okada Kanesada

See Markus Sesno's book, Index of Japanese Swordsmiths A~M, p. 159, top of the page.

According to p. 187, his younger brother was also a swordsmith called Kaneyoshi.


--Guy

[Blitz676]

Sword

Thank you very much! This forum never disappoints!

Brad