AS25008 Katana: Chikafusa(May, 1943)

Katana in Shirasaya

Signature:
Chikafusa 親房
Koki 2603 Nen Gogatsu Hi 皇紀二千六百三年五月日　(May, 1943)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as a Jyojyo Saku among works by Chikafusa.

Habaki: Single-layered Suaka (copper)
Blade Length: 70.1 cm (27.60 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.25 cm (1.28 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 2.51 cm (0.99 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 960 g
Era: May, Showa 18 (1943)
Shape: wide and thick blade with big Kissaki. There is Ububa.
Jigane: fine Ko-itame hada looks plain.
Hamon: Nie-deki, Choji-midare with ashi well inserted, boshi in irregular pattern.

Features:　Sakurai Chikabusa was an army-appointed swordsmith. This piece is a solid and sound sword, and shows that he was a very skilled swordsmith. While the workmanship of wartime swords is uneven, this piece is by far the best of the lot, and the polishing is beautiful.

Aoi Art　 Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata