japanese sword makers marks

SGT Blades · Oct 19, 2010

Are there web sites or books available to identify makers marks?
I cant seem to find anything useful on the web.
In the past six months I have had the opportunity to document(weigh, measure, photograph) two different katana's. Neither sword is mine, and I am curious about the marks.
Thanks

Hmathews · Oct 20, 2010

I just Googled "Japanese Sword Translation Assistance" and found several sites that helped me identify a sword that my son has. I think it was the Nihonto Message Board that had a forum that would help translate the inscription on blades. My son's had WWII mounts and a blade made in 1547. It was worth the effort to me to find that out. You will need some really good pictures.

SGT Blades · Oct 22, 2010

Thanks! I was Google'ing Japanese sword maker marks.

Rich S · Oct 23, 2010

Try my website on Japanese swords at:

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

The Nihonto Message Board is the best online help for translation assistance.

Rich S

Subterfuge7 · Oct 27, 2010

SGT Blades,

Have you inquired with the good folks over at the Sword-Buyers-Guide forum? I'm a member there as well and they seem to have a few very knowledgeable minds on Katana, Nihonto authenticity and pedigree.

http://forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewforum.php?f=9

SShepherd · Oct 27, 2010

On identification of nihonto, I'd stick with Rich and the nihonto forum

SGT Blades · Oct 31, 2010

Thanks I'll try over there. Turns out my neighbour can read the characters, this sword could be made by Akitsugu Amata , he cant read the last 2 characters though.

shortdog · Nov 13, 2010

Do a search for Japanese sword index. There's a wealth of information to be had there.

shirogane · Dec 4, 2010

I can help you. PM or email me....

dingy · Dec 4, 2010

there are books that can be use as dictionary in japan.

Hitogiri · Dec 6, 2010

Rich Stein's site was the one I used years ago when I was 1st getting into nihonto. I particularly found it useful when learning more about the WW2 smoths Nagamitsu and Emura. Both those swords used to top off price wise at $1k in good condition, now they are upwards of $3-4k.