Ashigaru Armory AA18-1000 濃州関住兼次作 "Nōshū Seki-jū Kanetsugu saku" Shinshinto Dojo Special Tameshigiri/Iai Shinken
Overview: Every so often we will feature "Dojo Special" swords. These will be swords that at some point in their life, someone who had no business attempting to "polish or "restore" a sword, got a hold of them and unfortunately removed most if not all of the artistic value behind them. These swords will not be investment or study pieces but still have a use and a purpose and life left in them. Where they excel would be the class or new student loaner sword. This sword is the first offered in such category.
Signed "Noshu Seki-Ju Kanetsugu saku", this swords life most likely began during the late Edo period. It is not an early Kanetsugu or a Showa Kanetsugu based on the patina and shape of the nakago, application and condition of the mei, prescence of shinogi-ware, hada and its minimal sori. All these features point to a Bakumatsu period (1853-1857) production by the Zenjō (善定) school in Seki. There is no paperwork to confirm this is not gimei, but there is also no physical evidence to prove it is not authentic. This is purely what my research has uncovered.
As outlined earlier, the sword was abused by a "polisher" at some point. It has functional cutting edge and perfectly serviceable koshirae. This shinken will not win any beauty awards, but it is perfect for someone to learn how to cut with and perform Batto. Its minimal sori makes for easy Iai for beginners. When I first started Kenjutsu while I was waiting to purchase my first shinken, I had to use the school kyūgō-shiki guntō. With its cast tsuka and short alloy blade, it was less than ideal. This Kanetsugu would have been a much better option. One might ask "if its just for a class beater sword, why not use a repro for half the price?" It is a valid question. Even in this condition, it is still Nihonto...and the only thing that truly handles and feels like Nihonto is...well... Nihonto. There is no substitute and if you know, you know.
Full blade scans have been provided so that no section of the sword could be cropped out in between photos. Please study carefully and purchase with confidence.
Type: Katana
Class: Dojo Use, Tameshigiri and Iai Shinken
Period: Shinshinto (est.)
Nagasa: 68cm
Sori: .6cm
Mekugiana: 2
Nakago: Unmodified
Mei-Omote: 濃州関住兼次作 "Nōshū Seki-jū Kanetsugu saku"
Yasurime: Katte-sagari
Hada: Itame (poor polish obscures certainty, but hada is present)
Motohaba: 29mm
Sakihaba: 20.5mm
Motokasane: 7.2mm
Sakikasane: 4.9mm
Blade Weight: 730g
Tsuka Length: 24cm
Overall Length: cm
Registration: No. 130789 Reiwa 7 (2025) 11th December
Reproduction Items: Habaki
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.
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BGM "The Quickening (AA Mix)" by @TONEDEAFSOUND
