SC0188
During WW2, there were hundreds of smiths in Seki making swords and only 4 were rated Yen 2million. There was an exceptional few rated higher if the many thousands of smiths in all the sword making centers in Japan during Showa period were taken into account.
Swords made at Yasukuni Shrine are much sought after by today's collectors but only one or two smiths were rated Yen2 million.
The feel is very different holding a Nagamitsu (rated Yen1m) and a Yen 2m sword. A yen 2m sword feels dense and heavy. I believe its in the number of times in the folding of the steel and control of the firing during forging.
Kanemichi swords are my favorite and recently, a Kanemichi is awarded HOZON paper by NBTHK, a first time meaning, these swords are getting recognised. I have 5 Kanemichi swords in my collection. I have many old blades but I really doubt few could stand up to a Yen2m blade if I were to clash them. In Japan, these blades were not appreciated by the so-called purists. The collecting trend started outside Japan in recent years and prices overtook many art swords of few hundred years old.
The Japanese sword circle has started to pay attention with some of these swords receiving HOZON certificates from NBTHK meaning these swords worthy of preservation.
In fact, nice examples are worth much more than an old Art sword of lesser named smith in the International market. If a Yasukunito can go for USD6,000 on ebay, then these Yen 2m swords that are more superior in quality should some day be worth more.
In my last 3 years of collecting, I noticed the demand for high and superior quality blades getting greater and prices keep going higher.
This sword comes with a civilian mounting and the original wood saya was cracked so I replaced it with a recent one. There are some cutting scars on its spine indicated that this sword was involved in a sword fight. I am leaving these scars on as an "HONOR WOUND" to the sword.
Price : NOT FOR SALE