Sun- nobi Tanto - Signed Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu

Dated to 1415 (Oei), NBTHK Hozon

Smith Details:

Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu (Shodai) - O-Wazamono (Ninon Toko Jiten) The best of the swordsmiths from this era are called “Oei no San-Mitsu” (three Mitsu of the Oei era). The three “Mitsu” are Yasumitsu, Morimitsu and Moromitsu. There were many Yasumitsu generations but the Shodai is considered to be the best.

Fujishiro Ranking - Josaku        

Hawley Ranking - 60       

Toko Taikan - 8.5M

Active: Oei era

Sword Details:

The blade is signed Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu and is also dated to 1415. The blade is in full polish and is absolutely beautiful. This is very typical of the excellent work that Shodai Yasumitsu is known for.

The hamon is suguha with a very thick nioi-guchi. As visible in the pictures there is a section where the hamon seems to reform between the actual hamon and cutting edge. It is more substantial than typical sunagashi. A Nijuba is also present.

The hada is Itame and really stands out. There are a few areas of small open grains as seen in the picture which is very typical for Koto Bizen blades. At many points the hada dives in and out of the hamon giving a lot to look at. There are horimono which have been polished down a little bit which is understandable for a blade that is over 600 years old. One is Machiman (god of war) and the Bonji is Fudo Myoo (the immovable one). Utsuri is also evident under the right light.

Hada - Itame

Hamon - Suguha

Nagasa (cutting edge length) - 14"