Description
Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Tanaka Kinjiro Yoshitaka 田中金次郎吉隆 NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate
The name 田中金次郎吉隆 (Tanaka Kinjirō Yoshitaka) does not appear in the available swordsmith records, suggesting he may have been a lesser-known or undocumented craftsman.
This sword features a noticeable difference in width between the base and the tip, with a slightly extended kissaki (tip) and shallow curvature. The blade is relatively thin, with a narrow shinogi (ridge). The steel has a well-forged ko-itame pattern, with dense ji-nie and chikei, resulting in a refined appearance. The hamon is a bright, clear gunome-midare with a soft, gentle impression in the lower half and a more defined nioiguchi in the upper half, featuring sunagashi, kinsuji, and well-defined ashi. The boshi continues the irregular pattern up to the yokote, straightening and rounding off at the tip.
After the Shinto period, with the decline of actual combat experience, samurai began to lose the traditional Japanese sword techniques that focused on parrying. Instead, they started favoring swords based on blade sharpness ratings, preferring thicker blades less prone to deformation during clashes. This robust style became popular in the late Edo period. However, this sword, with its thin blade and narrow shinogi, was likely crafted for a highly skilled warrior. Such a design allows for incredibly smooth and effective cuts, akin to the lightweight, highly maneuverable Zero fighters of the Pacific War. The sword has excellent balance with the center of gravity toward the hand, making it easy to draw with one hand. The broad tip and widened base make it suitable for sharp thrusts.
This sword reflects the high skill level of its original owner and has no notable forging flaws, highlighting the quality of the steel and craftsmanship.
Bare weight: 580 grams.
Nihontō Information
| Name 名称 | 田中金次郎吉隆 - Tanaka Kinjiro Yoshitaka |
| Blade Length 刀長 | 二尺三寸三厘強 / 69.8 cm |
| Sori 反り | 三分三厘弱 / 1.01 cm |
| Blade Width 元幅 | 31.7 mm |
| Blade Thickness 元重 | 6.3 mm |
| Tip Width 先幅 | 物打23.4 mm 横手位置19.2 mm |
| Tip Thickness 先重 | 物打4.5 mm 松葉位置3.7 mm |
| Mekugi-ana 目釘穴 | 1個 |
| Age 時代 | 江戸後期 The latter period of Edo era (19th century) |
| Certificate 鑑定書 | 保存刀剣鑑定書（NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate ） |
| Registration 登録 | 昭和31年12月25日 福岡県登録 Registered on December 25, 1956, in Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Included 附属 | 素銅地金鍍金二重はばき Double-layered habaki with gilt copper base |
| 白鞘 Shirasaya Case | |
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