Art sword shinsakuto by Bizen Masashiro for iaido or collection

[drjoe]

Shinsakuto made in the Bizen Ichimonji tradition by Masashiro.

A tad over 29" nagasa with deep sori and bohi.

Purchased from Modern Tosho a few years back (photos are below from from Keith Larman at the time of the sale -- additional and current photos on request), this is long blade with a classic choji hamon in the Bizen tradition. It's an elegant blade that is almost tachi-like in its proportions. You don't see many blades like this for sale in the US -- it was made as an "art sword" that would sell for over twice the asking price if ordered new.

It's available now at a greatly discounted price based on use by the previous owner (a "high ranking iaidoka" I was told) for iaido and tameshigiri,. It has scratches and unfortunately sustained a bend that was corrected in the mune so that it's straight, but with shinae showing and a persisting warp in the ha that is noticeable, but does not affect tachikaze. I spoke with a US polisher who thought it could be corrected (references available on request), but I have not wanted to take the risk of having that done.

It is fully mounted, ready for use. It would be well-suited to an iaito practitioner. I have enjoyed owning it as a collection piece, but it is time to find it a new home.

Masashiro1 by drjoe4, on Flickr

Masashiro2 by drjoe4, on Flickr

Masashiro4 by drjoe4, on Flickr

Masashiro6 by drjoe4, on Flickr

Masashiro7 by drjoe4, on Flickr
Masashiro3 by drjoe4, on Flickr
Masashiro5 by drjoe4, on Flickr

Masashiro9 by drjoe4, on Flickr

[indoroids]

is this sword still available for sale ?

[drjoe]

is this sword still available for sale ?

yes, it is still for sale

[drjoe]

UPDATE: This sword is still for sale. The warp has been corrected. It turns out the maker is Kazuko Kawashima who signed the blade Masaki (not Masashiro as previously misattributed) and dated Heisei 81 (presumably meaning 2006). Kazuki Kawashima trained under Nakata Masanao and spent time with Yoshihara Kuniie as well as at the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum workship refining the Bizen style.

You can see his bio and website here: kazukikawashima.com/about/

Fully mounted, ready for use or collection. This is an art blade that has been fully mounted as used as an iaito by its previous owner. It would be an iaido practitioner's dream.

Currently available with a "user" sukashi tsuba that's different than the one in the pictures below.