BoJ Katana #001: Antique Banzai Kato Kunihide 32193

BoJ Katana #001: Antique Banzai Kato Kunihide 32193

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ONLY ONE AVAILABLE

Genuine Antique 19th century Katana made and signed by the Smith Kato Kunihide. Original fittings partially restored - exceptional overall condition.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING: Shipped Directly From Japan and includes all certificates of authenticity.

$5,306.70
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With both the date (a day in August 1813) and the name of the smith (Kato Kunihide) engraved on the tang for prosperity, this sword was verified by the Token Kenkyu Rengokai (Japanese Sword Research Alliance) and includes the original 'Origami' Tokubetsu Kicho (Certification Papers #02004012) as well as the 'Juho Token Tui Torokosho' Police License # 32193.

The majority of the components, such as the tsuba, gold wrapped seppa and habaki are original while the silk ito wrap over the original full rayskin wrap handle and the fuchigashira were replaced in the last 40 years or so - but the sword itself is still very close to its original appearance.

The blade has a bo-hi (fuller) starting just above the tsuba and terminating close to the kissaki tip and is a standard Shinogi Zukuri geometry with chu-kissaki. While quite clear, there is a little black patina on the spine of the sword that would require a new polish to remove.

There are no indications of battle damage, though this does not mean that it was never raised in anger, only that there are no visible marks indicating that it had made contact with another blade or damaging target of any type.

How to Use

This is a functional antique and you become it's new custodian. While it can certainly still be used for cutting, we recommend it is preserved for future generations and handed down as a family heirloom.
Blade Length (Nagasa): 25.8" (65.7CM), Sori: 0.62" (1.6CM), Motohaba: 0CM, Sakihaba: 0CM, Weight (bare blade): 1.32lbs (600g)

Materials and Construction

Antique late Edo period (made 1813) Tamahagane blade by Kato Kunihide. Original 19th century habaki, gold (12-14k) wrapped copper seppa and tsuba - recently (in the past 40 years) refitted with new Fuchigashira, silk wrap over the original full rayskin wrap with prominent emperor nodes. Original Honoki wood saya with glossy black finish and buffalo horn components.
Shipped directly to you by the current owner in Japan. Please note that in rare cases one of the antique blades that we offer may be identified as a national treasure during the export process. In the unlikely event that this happens, we will have no choice but to cancel your order and refund you in full.
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