A Suishinshi Masahide Wakizashi (水心子正秀)

Suishinshi Masahide is one of the defining figures of Japanese sword-making history – the founding genius of the fukko-to (restoration sword) movement that heralded the entire Shinshintō era. This long wakizashi, dated February 1786 and thus very early in a brilliant career that would span more than 50 years, captures the smith at the beginning of his greatest contributions to the craft.

The blade displays a glorious toranba hamon – the rolling ocean-wave temperline pioneered by legendary Echizen no Kami Sukehiro in the 17th century, and a type that Masahide held in particular admiration throughout his career. The polish draws it out beautifully, with a note of additional historical interest: the blade carries a cut in its middle – a war wound from active use that is genuinely prized by serious collectors as evidence of a sword that served its purpose.

The shirasaya carries a sayagaki inscription by Dr. Sato Kanzan, former director of the NBTHK – one of the most authoritative authentication figures in postwar Japanese sword scholarship. He certifies the sword as an excellent example of the famous Settsu toranba. The sword also holds Daimyo toroku (Showa 26, March 28, 1951). Between the NTHK-NPO Yushuto certificate, the sayagaki by Sato Kanzan, and the Daimyo toroku registration, the documentation surrounding this wakizashi is exceptional.