Katana Blog

Posts tagged "kotetsu"

Oct 21, 2025

Was the Japanese sword owned by Kondo Isami truly Kotetsu?

Tags: boshin war, gansaku, gimei, kondo isami, kotetsu, shinsengumi

Was Kondo Isami's sword a Kotetsu? Examining historical evidence and expert opinions, we conclude that while the myth endures, his Japanese sword's authenticity is unproven, linked to forgeries. 1. Introduction: The Legend of Kondo Isami and Kotetsu In the annals...

Jun 18, 2025

Kotetsu: Myth, Legend, and the Legacy of the Samurai Sword

Tags: antique, appreciation, kondo isami, kotetsu, Masamune, muramasa, samurai, samurai sword, shinto

Unravel the mysteries surrounding Kotetsu, the legendary Japanese swordsmith. Discover who Kotetsu might have been, explore the characteristics and myths of their blades, understand their significance in samurai culture, and learn about their value and legacy today. This exploration reveals...

May 15, 2025

Top 10 Popular Antique Japanese Swords: A Collector's Guide

Tags: go yoshihiro, japanese history, japanese sword, kanemitsu, katana, kotetsu, Masamune, muramasa, naotane, norimune, rai kunitoshi, sadamune, samurai, samurai sword, tadayoshi

Discover the top 10 most sought-after antique Japanese swords, including Masamune and Muramasa. This guide explores their history, types (katana, tachi, wakizashi, tanto), identification, condition assessment, and care. Learn about prominent smiths, legal ownership, buying/selling, and value estimation. Become a...

Feb 20, 2025

The Master of Forgery

Tags: gansaku, gimei, hosoda naomitsu, kotetsu, mishina hirofusa, naotane, omura kunitaro, shizu saburo kaneuji

Forgeries continue to be made in every country at every age, and they will never disappear. The same is true in the world of Japanese swords. When buying or selling a Japanese sword, whether it is a genuine or a...

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Ietoshi wakizashi

Absolutely beautiful piece of history and Tozando was communicative throughout the entire buying experience.

Stunning Blade

It‘s my first nihonto and i absolutely love it. The condition is like the day it was made. Thanks to guys @ TOZANDO and of course Nobuyoshi 😉

Imposingly powerful!

This sword's sugata and sheer presence is fearsome; it’s a hefty, big sword! Its mere sight would probably cause an enemy to abandon the thought of combat! It’s like a poem for the eyes. In my opinion, the saku has captured a fleeting moment of divine inspiration and frozen it in steel. The combination of this swords jigane, hamon and overall sugata give a presence that elevates this sword far above a mere weapon and into the realm of a spiritual stronghold; I have a sense that kami dwell in this sword and I love it!

I’ve included a photo of the saku to respectfully honour his memory.

‘Not too hard, not too soft, but just right!’ said Goldilocks…

The purple colour of the silk is beautiful and its weave provides a reassuringly safe texture for one’s previous swords. The pillow is firm enough to provide good support keeping one’s blade off the resting surface but the sword doesn’t sink in so much such that it is enveloped by the cushion; perfect!

An excellent solution to the abrasiveness of regular uchiko.

The volume is about a third smaller than the usual ‘lollipop’ uchiko that is widely available, but they are beautifully presented-that’s important! The power does feel smoother between the fingertips which suggests it will be less abrasive than usual uchiko; an abrasiveness that’s always worried me when maintaining my swords. I’ve bought two of these and am very happy with my purchase.

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Katana Blog

Was the Japanese sword owned by Kondo Isami truly Kotetsu?

Kotetsu: Myth, Legend, and the Legacy of the Samurai Sword

Top 10 Popular Antique Japanese Swords: A Collector's Guide

The Master of Forgery

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