In good condition, a WW2 Japanese Army officer’s Shin Gunto Katana by Okada Kanesada
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Okada Kanesada (岡田 兼定) was a mid ranking Ryōkō no Jōi smith (see listing here). Real name Okada Sadao (岡田定男), born September 9th, 1905, died September 1st, 1966 (age 61). He was from Seki in Gifu and registered as a swordsmith in Seki on October 8th 1939. There were around nine grades of blade making; Tamahagane Gendeito at the top, machine made at the bottom (these typically have stamps to the blade tang); this blade is somewhere in the middle.
The tsuka’s (handle’s) ito (grip bindings) and same (rayskin) have been professionally replaced (the original ito and same were in very poor condition). The grip can be “aged” with a small amount of brown shoe polish and oil if desired.
The 25 inch nagasa (cutting edge section measurement) blade is in very good condition, some marks / scuffs but nothing major, irregular gunome type hamon is clearly not etched but hand forged. Everything relatively firm except the inner barrel of the sarute loop (sword knot) hole is loose. The saya release catch is very tight (wriggle the blade to free) but works. The sword sheathes and draws well. All original except for new ito and same.
Really lovely example in above average example. Well priced at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference Z78. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1608-108x15x14 (2.120).
