This dagger is small and is what is called a kaiken. Kaiken means a sword that is kept inside a kimono, and it can be said to be a short sword for self-defense. Since carrying a katana was forbidden inside a castle, its value was recognized as a weapon for self-defense in the event of a surprise attack. It is said that many masterpieces have been handed down from ancestors, even by feudal lords.

This piece is in an extremely well-preserved state of sharpening, with no flaws or defects. The hada is a well-packed itame hada with some hataraki such as chikei. The thin notare hamon with niedeki is very elegant and graceful. The blade is engraved with a groove, one on the sashiomote side and two on the sashiura side. The habaki on the sashiura side is decorated with a six-pointed star family crest.

On the nakago is engraved the inscription Uda Kunimune. Uda was a group of swordsmiths who appeared in the late Kamakura period (1185-1333). Kunimitsu was the founder of the group, which flourished over the Muromachi period (1333-1568). Kunimune was a son of Kunimitsu and flourished for several generations after him.

Tozando offers a great selection of swords at reasonable prices. Don't miss this opportunity.

• Blade length: 16.3 cm
• Curvature: 0.0 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Motohaba: 18.6 mm
• Motokasane: 6.4 mm
• Signature: Uda Kunimune(front)
• Era: Koto
• Structure: Hira-zukuri, Iori-mune
• Jitetsu: Itame
• Hamon: Notare
• Boshi: O-maru
• Weight(blade only): 9 g
• Nakago: Ubu
  
• Fitting: Shirasaya
• Original Registration No.: Tokyo 324722