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Soshu ju Tsunahiro saku-22nd Generation of Masamune.
During the era of Sho-oh (1288), some 700 years ago, many swordsmiths moved to Kamakura at the invitation of the Hojo regent, thus laying the foundation of Kamakura swordsmithing.
The founder of Soshu-den, GORO NYUDO MASAMUNE was born in Kyoto as the son of the Awataguchi smith, Yukimitsu.
He, following the trend of the times, added improvements and made modifications to the established style, thus giving birth to the distinctive Soshu school of sword smithing. Five generations after Masamune, at the time of the sword smith, Hiromasa, the Soshu smiths served the HOJO of Odawara.
Ujitsuna the the second Hojo lord, bestowed upon Hiromasa the character from his own name and thus the smith changed his name to TSUNAHIRO. From that time, the family has prospered serving the Hojo lords and then the Tokugawa Shoguns.
In the Meiji era, carrying of swords was banned and many sword smiths turned to making of household knives and farm metal works to earn a living.
During Showa period (ca.1926) the Tsunahiro family of smiths began production of knives and metal work that have a sharpness and spirit inspired by the Japanese sword. From Olden times the sword was said to; cut forth toward the future and thus they have always been cherished as gifts on auspicious occasions and as commemorative mementos.
During WW2, the wartime sword smith was Masamune 22 nd generation or 16th Gen Yamamura Fukutaro Tsunahiro and he was continued by 23 rd Gen line Masamune, 17th Gen Yamamura Naotsugu Tsunahiro who helped in the family sword making business.
Being the eldest son, Yamamura was called up to serve the emperor in the Pacific War. He carried a sword made by his father for him to carry to war. Unfortunately, he was killed in action and the sword ended up as a war trophy and taken back to the US by the American GI.
It was originally mounted as a gunto but with its rich history and superior quality, I believe it deserves to be remounted in a samurai koshirae.
Throughout the last 600+ years, a Masamune blade was eagerly sought after as a proof of status. And chances of owning one is near to impossible and even if one is available, it would cost a lot of money way beyond the reach of most collectors.
It is however, possible or second best to own one made by his later generation smith. The feel of holding one made by a Masamune descendant is so different as the sword is always very well forged and balanced.
Soshu Kamakura, Ogigayatsu Masamune smith, the 24th generation, Yamamura Tsunahiro is currently in charge of the Masamune shop and to order a katana blade made by him, cost USD$18,000 and waiting time is 2 years.
Price : NOT FOR SALE