Higo no Kuni Yatsushiro-jū Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru Katana
肥後國八代住赤松太郎兼照 刀
Item TK026

  • Period: Modern (2009)

  • Mei (Signature): Higo no Kuni Yatsushiro-jū Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru Saku 肥後國八代住赤松太郎兼照作
    Made Using Home-made Iron 以自家製鉄鍛之
    “A lucky day in the first month of the Year of the Snake (2009)” 已丑年一月吉日

  • Nakago - 22.8cm - Ubu

  • Nagasa - 71.8cm

  • Sori: - 1.5cm

  • Motohaba - 3.3cm

  • Sakihaba - 2.3cm

  • Kissaki - 4.3cm

  • Motokasane - 0.71cm

Price: ¥650,000

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Katana by Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru — Yatsushiro, Higo Province

The Akamatsu Tarō family of swordsmiths, based in Yatsushiro, Higo (Kyushu), are well-regarded among modern smiths in Japan.
Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru, whose real name is Kimura Kanehiro, was born in 1957 (Shōwa 32).
He is the second son of the renowned swordsmith Kimura Kaneshige, and the younger brother of Kimura Kanetsugu, who is also a swordsmith.  
Their blades are appreciated for their practical cutting performance, balance and refined workmanship, making them a popular choice among practitioners of iaidō and battōdō/tameshigiri.

They are also known for producing utsushi works inspired by the famous smith Kiyomaro, showing both their technical ability and respect for classical styles.
Because they produce and refine their own iron, the jitetsu (forged steel surface) has a distinct character and texture, differing noticeably from that of the NBTHK Tatara-produced steel.
This blade by Akamatsu Tarō Kaneteru shows a gunome-chōji hamon on a tightly forged itame-hada jigane.
The polish is good, and the blade feels light and well-balanced, making it suitable for both iaidō use and general appreciation.