Blade Opinions

[Geoff Ward]

Hello All,I may have a chance to purchase this blade but I wanted some feedback from those with more experience than myself.The overall length is 20" there is a small chip in the kissaki and some spots of tiredness but is in decent shape overall. I was wondering if the chip in the kissaki looks to be fatal. I would also like to get get some opinions on the signature.Any help appreciated.sorry for the rush job on pics I only had a couple of minutes. Thanks in advance,Geoff

[BOB COLEMAN]

It appears the chip is small and the boshi is thick enough to have the kissaki reshaped. All depends on your intentions with the blade and the cost.

[ghp95134]

Found it!!!!

手柄山氏繁
Tegarayama Ujishige

Third smith from the top HERE. 5th Generation Ugishige.

Interesting ... his father was 3rd generation and died while junior was in his minority; Uncle became 4th generation until the boy became of age; then beccoming 5th generation.

Another is described:
播磨国(Harima)　江戸時代・文政六年（Edo era １８２３年頃）
Harima, Edo Jidai, Bunsei 6 nen


--Guy

[ghp95134]

Just for fun:

手柄山
Tegarayama is broken down into 5 syllables: te-gara-yama [that'll make it easier for you to read/remember]

氏繁
Ujishige = 4 syllables: Uji-shige [in Americanese: ewwgee-shee-gay]


.... that's what I'm here for. (^__^)

--Guy

[BOB COLEMAN]

This is the first time I have encountered work from this group. Five generations who worked from the mid 18th c. thru early 19th c. Thanks Guy for the foot work.

[Geoff Ward]

Thank you all for the great information! I really appreciate you! Regards,Geoff